Animal Fibres - Silk

Silk, one of the oldest animal fibers, was first developed in China around 5,000 years ago. The discovery is attributed to Empress Si-lung-Chi. Silk production spread globally with the Silk Route. The life cycle of the silk moth involves eggs, caterpillars, cocoons, and moths. Sericulture, the farming of silkworms, is crucial for silk production, with Bombyx mori being the most common. Silk is known for its strength, elasticity, and fine texture. The production process includes reeling and weaving, resulting in high-quality silk fabrics.

Who is credited with the accidental discovery of silk according to legend?

• Confucius

• Marco Polo

• Empress Si-lung-Chi

• Emperor Hoang-ti

What is the primary food source for silkworms during their larval stage?

• Bamboo leaves

• Mulberry leaves

• Rice grains

• Cotton plants

What is the term used for the controlled rearing of silkworms for silk production?

• Apiculture

• Sericulture

• Horticulture

• Aquaculture

Which variety of silkworm is most commonly reared for silk production?

• Bombyx mori

• Mooga

• Eri

• Tassar

What is the process of unwinding silk fibers from cocoons called?

• Weaving

• Spinning

• Knitting

• Reeling

Silk is known to be the strongest natural fiber. How much can it be stretched from its original length?

• 25%

• 10%

• 15%

• 20%

What is done to cocoons to keep them intact before the silk moths emerge?

• They are dried in the shade

• They are buried underground

• They are boiled or kept in sunlight

• They are frozen