which of the following is not listed as a detail in the passage about microbes

HESI A2

Reading Comprehension HESI A2 Practice Test

1. Which of the following is not listed as a detail in the passage about microbes?

A. Babies are born coated with germs from the birth canal.
B. Mice and humans respond to microbes differently.
C. Few people share the same microbes in the same quantities.
D. Human bodies contain far more microbes than they do cells.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because the passage does not detail that mice and humans respond to microbes differently. The passage discusses how laboratory mice required a particular strain of bacteria to help their immune systems function correctly, indicating a difference in how mice and humans respond to microbes. Choices A, C, and D are all details mentioned in the passage: A discusses babies being coated with germs from the birth canal, C talks about the variation in microbes among individuals, and D states that human bodies contain more microbes than cells.

2. Why was receiving a white elephant considered a burden in ancient Siam?

A. People tried to avoid receiving it, as it was a burden.
B. It was a symbol of honor and wealth.
C. It was used in ceremonial processes.
D. The people greatly desired a white elephant as a gift.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Receiving a white elephant in ancient Siam was considered a burden because the animal, being sacred, couldn't be used for work like other elephants. The recipient had to bear the cost of feeding the elephant large amounts of fruit and maintaining it in a lavish manner. The ruler's displeasure if the gift was not accepted graciously added to the pressure. This financial strain often led recipients to financial ruin. Therefore, people tried to avoid receiving a white elephant to prevent these financial consequences. Choice B is incorrect because the white elephant was not considered a symbol of honor and wealth but rather a burden. Choice C is incorrect as the white elephant was not primarily used in ceremonial processes but was a gift that came with financial responsibilities. Choice D is incorrect as the passage does not mention that people greatly desired a white elephant as a gift, but rather the opposite.

3. Why did Macmillan add iron rims to the tires of his bicycle?

A. Increase the weight of the bicycle.
B. Enhance the durability of the tires.
C. Reduce the bumpiness of the ride.
D. Decrease the level of fatigue during the ride.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Macmillan added iron rims to his bicycle tires to enhance their durability and make them last longer. This innovation aimed to prevent the tires from getting worn down quickly. Adding weight to the bicycle (Choice A) was not the purpose of adding iron rims. While adding iron rims could potentially reduce the bumpiness of the ride (Choice C) by providing more stability, the main objective was to improve tire longevity. Similarly, reducing the level of fatigue during the ride (Choice D) was not the primary reason for adding iron rims.

4. Which of the following is not mentioned as a detail in the passage about Sickle-Cell Anemia?

A. People of South American or African descent may be prone to sickle-cell anemia.
B. Symptoms of sickle-cell anemia may include sudden occurrences of extreme abdominal and back pain.
C. The red blood cells of sickle-cell patients are unusually shaped, forming crescent or sickle shapes.
D. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies may result in some anemia.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because the passage does not mention anything about vitamin and mineral deficiencies in relation to sickle-cell anemia. Choice A is incorrect as the passage specifies that sickle-cell anemia is more common among people of South American or African descent. Choice B is correct as the passage states that symptoms of sickle-cell anemia can include sudden occurrences of extreme abdominal and back pain. Choice C is correct as the passage describes that the red blood cells of sickle-cell patients are unusually shaped, forming crescent or sickle shapes. The passage does not discuss any relationship between vitamin and mineral deficiencies and sickle-cell anemia, making choice D the correct option.

5. What is implied by the author's mention of the Kayapo people in the passage on the Amazon Rainforest?

A. The Kayapo people destroy the environment for farming.
B. The Kayapo people farm in an environmentally friendly way.
C. The Kayapo people contribute to deforestation.
D. The Kayapo people hunt animals for survival.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The mention of the Kayapo people in the passage highlights how they farm in an environmentally friendly manner. Instead of using chemicals, they enrich the soil by burning wood and plant banana trees, attracting wasps that feed on harmful insects. This sustainable farming practice showcases their efforts to coexist with the rainforest ecosystem without causing harm. The other choices are incorrect: A is refuted by the passage as the Kayapo people are described as farming in an environmentally friendly way, C is incorrect as the passage does not mention the Kayapo people contributing to deforestation, and D is not supported by the text as there is no mention of the Kayapo people hunting animals for survival.