HESI A2 Biology 2024

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cow. Cows are ruminant animals, meaning they have a complex digestive system that requires a lot of energy to break down cellulose from grass. This process is less energy-efficient compared to the digestive systems of other animals like caterpillars, coyotes, and crickets. Caterpillars have efficient digestion due to their specialized enzymes, coyotes are carnivores with more efficient nutrient absorption, and crickets have simpler digestive systems. Therefore, the cow would have the least energy efficiency in nutrient consumption among the options provided.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Red cedar. Gymnosperms are a group of seed-producing plants that do not have enclosed seeds. Red cedar is a gymnosperm because it produces naked seeds that are not enclosed in a fruit or ovary. Japanese cherry (B), Flowering dogwood (C), and American chestnut (D) are examples of angiosperms, which are seed-producing plants with enclosed seeds within a fruit or ovary. Therefore, they are not examples of gymnosperms.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Mitosis. In the tip of a plant's root, cells undergo mitosis to increase in number. In mitosis, a parent cell divides into two identical daughter cells, ensuring the growth and repair of tissues. Meiosis, choice A, is a process of cell division that produces gametes with half the genetic material. Cytokinesis, choice B, is the process of cytoplasmic division following cell division. Fractioning, choice C, is not a biological process related to cell division. Mitosis is the only process mentioned that specifically describes cell division for growth and repair in plants.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: During anaphase, the correct answer is A because it is the phase where chromosomes move to opposite ends of the spindle. This separation ensures that each new cell receives a complete set of chromosomes. Choice B is incorrect because nuclear membrane and nucleoli disintegrate during prophase, not anaphase. Choice C is incorrect as chromatids line up at the center of the spindle during metaphase. Choice D is incorrect as the nuclear membrane and nucleoli do not form during anaphase but rather re-form during telophase.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The function of decomposition in the carbon cycle is to break down organic matter into simpler compounds, releasing carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere. This is crucial for recycling nutrients and maintaining balance in the ecosystem. Decomposition does not produce light energy (A), convert carbon to fuel (B), or store food for consumers (D). The correct answer, C, aligns with the process of decomposition and its role in returning carbon to the atmosphere through the release of carbon dioxide.