HESI A2
HESI A2 Biology Practice Test
1. A child is sick. They have a body temperature that exceeds 37ÂșC. The body senses this and begins to sweat in order to lower the temperature. What is this an example of?
- A. Positive feedback loop
- B. Negative feedback loop
- C. Both
- D. None of the above
Correct answer: B
Rationale: This is an example of a negative feedback loop. In a negative feedback loop, the body's response (sweating) works to counteract the initial stimulus of a high body temperature by cooling the body down. The goal is to return the body to homeostasis, maintaining a stable internal environment. Positive feedback loops amplify the initial stimulus rather than counteracting it, which is not the case here. Therefore, choices A and C are incorrect. Choice D is also incorrect as the situation described fits the characteristics of a negative feedback loop.
2. What is the function of decomposition in the carbon cycle?
- A. To produce light energy
- B. To convert carbon to fuel
- C. To release carbon dioxide
- D. To store food for consumers
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'To release carbon dioxide.' Decomposition in the carbon cycle involves breaking down dead organic matter into simpler substances. During this process, carbon is released in the form of carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere. This release of carbon dioxide is essential for recycling carbon and making it available for use by living organisms. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because decomposition does not produce light energy, convert carbon to fuel, or store food for consumers; its primary role is to recycle carbon through the release of carbon dioxide.
3. How does asexual reproduction differ from sexual reproduction?
- A. asexual reproduction results in all cells being identical to the original cell; sexual reproduction results in half of the cells being identical to the original cell
- B. asexual reproduction results in two cells that contribute genetic material to daughter cells, resulting in significantly greater variation
- C. sexual reproduction involves two cells that contribute genetic material to daughter cells, resulting in significantly greater variation
- D. sexual reproduction involves one cell that yields all cells produced to be identical
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Sexual reproduction involves two cells (gametes) that contribute genetic material to daughter cells, resulting in significantly greater genetic variation in the offspring. This genetic variation is essential for evolution and adaptation to environmental changes. In contrast, asexual reproduction involves one cell dividing to produce offspring that are genetically identical to the parent cell. Choice A is incorrect because sexual reproduction does not result in half of the cells being identical to the original cell; it involves two cells contributing genetic material. Choice B is incorrect because asexual reproduction does not result in significantly greater variation; it produces genetically identical offspring. Choice D is incorrect because sexual reproduction involves two cells contributing genetic material, not one cell yielding all identical cells.
4. How many bones are included in the human skeletal system?
- A. 412
- B. 103
- C. Over 300
- D. 206
Correct answer: D
Rationale: There are 206 bones in the human skeletal system. This includes bones in the skull, spine, ribs, arms, legs, hands, and feet. The correct answer is 206 because that is the standard number of bones in an adult human body. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not reflect the accurate count of bones in the human skeletal system.
5. The sum of all chemical reactions that occur in an organism is:
- A. product
- B. respiration
- C. metabolism
- D. synthesis
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Metabolism is the sum of all chemical reactions that occur within an organism to maintain life. It involves all the processes that break down molecules to release energy (catabolism) and build new molecules to support growth and maintenance (anabolism). Respiration refers specifically to the process of generating energy from the breakdown of glucose molecules. Synthesis is the creation of complex molecules from simpler ones. Therefore, metabolism is the most comprehensive term that encompasses all these processes within an organism.
Similar Questions
Access More Features
HESI A2 Basic
$89/ 30 days
- 3,000 Questions with answers
- 30 days access
HESI A2 Premium
$129.99/ 90 days
- Actual HESI A2 Questions
- 3,000 questions with answers
- 90 days access