Free HESI Critical Thinking Questions and Answers

Question 1

A student observes a plant bending toward a light source. What is the best explanation for this behavior?

Accepted Answer

Phototropism

Answer

Photosynthesis

Answer

Respiration

Answer

Gravitropism

Question 2

If a cell is placed in a hypertonic solution, what will most likely happen to the cell?

Accepted Answer

The cell will shrink

Answer

The cell will swell

Answer

The cell will burst

Answer

There will be no change

Question 3

Which conclusion is best supported by the discovery of fossils with similar bone structures in different species?

Accepted Answer

They share a common ancestor

Answer

Species evolved separately

Answer

They have identical DNA

Answer

They live in the same environment

Question 4

Why is it important to have a control group in a biological experiment?

Accepted Answer

To serve as a baseline for comparison

Answer

To increase sample size

Answer

To eliminate human error

Answer

To test all variables at once

Question 5

A scientist finds that changing the pH of a solution stops an enzyme from working. What is the most logical explanation?

Accepted Answer

The enzyme denatured due to pH change

Answer

The enzyme requires more water

Answer

The solution was too basic

Answer

The substrate was used up

Question 6

If a genetic mutation occurs in a somatic (body) cell, what is the likely result?

Accepted Answer

It may cause disease in the individual

Answer

It will be inherited by offspring

Answer

It will spread to all future generations

Answer

It will not affect the organism at all

Question 7

Which is the most reasonable hypothesis if two closely related species show different traits?

Accepted Answer

They adapted to different environments

Answer

They are unrelated species

Answer

They evolved from different ancestors

Answer

They mutated at the same time

Question 8

A researcher notices bacteria grow faster in warm temperatures. What is the best next step?

Accepted Answer

Test bacteria at different temperatures

Answer

Increase light levels

Answer

Change bacterial species

Answer

Add more nutrients

Question 9

Why do biologists repeat experiments multiple times?

Accepted Answer

To ensure consistent results

Answer

To confuse variables

Answer

To extend the data range

Answer

To impress peer reviewers