as cattle graze cattle egrets consume the insects they stir up this is an example of

HESI A2

Biology HESI A2 Practice Exam

1. As cattle graze, cattle egrets consume the insects they stir up. This is an example of ___________.

A. Mutualism
B. Parasitism
C. Commensalism
D. Competition

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Commensalism is a relationship between two species in which one benefits without affecting the other species. In this scenario, the cattle egrets benefit from the insects stirred up by cattle while the cattle are not significantly impacted by the presence of the egrets. The egrets obtain food easily, and the cattle are neither harmed nor helped by the egrets' presence, making it an example of commensalism. Mutualism involves both species benefiting, parasitism involves one species benefiting at the expense of the other, and competition involves both species being negatively affected by their interactions, none of which apply to the relationship between cattle and cattle egrets in this context.

2. A cell from heart muscle would more than likely contain an unusually high proportion of which of the following?

A. lysosomes
B. mitochondria
C. mRNA
D. ribosomes

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A cell from heart muscle would more than likely contain an unusually high proportion of mitochondria because the heart muscle requires a significant amount of energy to function properly. Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell and are responsible for producing energy in the form of ATP through cellular respiration. Therefore, to meet the high energy demands of the heart muscle, it would need a higher concentration of mitochondria compared to other cell types. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because while lysosomes, mRNA, and ribosomes are essential components of a cell, they do not play as direct a role in meeting the high energy demands of heart muscle as mitochondria do.

3. Which cellular structure is found in animal cells but not in plant cells?

A. Centriole
B. Cytoplasm
C. Vacuole
D. Golgi apparatus

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Centriole. Centrioles are found in animal cells but not in plant cells. They play a crucial role in organizing microtubules during cell division, aiding in the formation of the mitotic spindle. Plant cells lack centrioles; instead, they utilize microtubule organizing centers to perform similar functions during cell division. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because cytoplasm is a part of both animal and plant cells, vacuoles are found in plant cells and some animal cells, and the Golgi apparatus is present in both types of cells.

4. What organelle in the cell produces energy through the process of respiration?

A. Nucleus
B. Mitochondria
C. Golgi Apparatus
D. Chloroplasts

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Mitochondria. The mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell and are responsible for producing energy through respiration in eukaryotic cells. Choice A, the Nucleus, is not involved in energy production but rather houses the cell's genetic material. Choice C, the Golgi Apparatus, is responsible for packaging and processing proteins, not energy production. Choice D, Chloroplasts, are responsible for photosynthesis in plant cells, not respiration for energy production.

5. 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.