2112-E-LIS-AE03-09.1

LIFE SCIENCES
2021
GRADE 12 PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION
PAPER 1
TOTAL: 150
TIME: 2½ hours
This question paper consists of 14 pages.

SACAI LIFE SCIENCES PAPER 1 COPYRIGHT RESERVED
2021 GRADE 12 PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION
LIFE SCIENCES
PAPER 1
TOTAL: 150
TIME: 2½ HOURS
INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION
1. Answer ALL the questions.
2. Write ALL the answers in your ANSWER BOOK.
3. Start the answers to EACH question at the top of a NEW page.
4. Number the answers correctly according to the numbering system used in this
question paper.
5. Present your answers according to the instructions of each question.
6. ALL drawings must be done in pencil and labelled in blue or black ink.
7. Draw diagrams, flow charts or tables only when asked to do so.
8. The diagrams in this question paper are NOT necessarily drawn to scale.
9. You may NOT use graph paper.
10. You may use a non-programmable calculator, protractor and a compass where
necessary.
11. Write neatly and legibly.
Page 2 of 14
SECTION A
QUESTION 1
1.1 Various options are provided as possible answers to the following questions.
Choose the correct answer and write only the letter (A to D) next to the
question number (1.1.1 to 1.1.10) in your ANSWER BOOK, for example
1.1.11 D.
1.1.1 Which ONE of the following is a possible result of ozone depletion?
A More O2 is released into the atmosphere.

B Skin Cancer
C More producers are available.
D More seeds start to germinate.
1.1.2 Which ONE of the following is the correct statement when comparing
mitosis and meiosis?
A Most plant and animal cells undergo mitosis however only animal
cells are able to perform meiosis
B Most plant and animal cells undergo mitosis however only plant cells
are able perform meiosis.
C Most plant and animal cells undergo mitosis whereas both plant and
animal cells of organisms that produce sexually, are able to perform
meiosis.
D Plant cells perform mitosis while animal cells perform meiosis.
1.1.3 Thermo pollution in rivers are caused by…..
A more oxygen in the water.

B hot water released into rivers.
C less carbon dioxide in the water.
D excess fertilisers from runoff water.
1.1.4 Amniotic fluid is important for the developing embryo because it…
A provides the embryo with oxygen.

B protects the embryo against mechanical injury.
C provides food for the embryo.
D collects nitrogenous waste materials.
Page 3 of 14
1.1.5 What characteristics does the yellow spot in the human eye have?
A Has rods but no cones.

B Has no rods and cones.
C Has the greatest number of cones.
D Has the greatest number of rods.
1.1.6 The following table compares Mitosis and Meiosis:
MITOSIS MEIOSIS
(i) Chromosomes line up at the Chromosomes arrange at the
equator of the cell individually equator of the cell in pairs.
(ii) Chromosomes move to Chromotids move to opposite
opposite poles of the cell poles of the cell
(iii) Crossing over takes place Crossing over does not take
place
(iv) Two cells are formed at the Four cells are formed at the
end end.
Which combination of differences is correct?
A (i), (iii) and (iv)

B (i) only
C (ii) and (iii) only
D (i) and (iv) only
1.1.7 The type of development in birds where the young birds can move
soon after hatching is….
A Ovipary
B Ovovivipary
C Precocial development
D Altricial development
1.1.8 Vivipary and ovovivipary are the same in that….
A the egg has no covering.

B the egg is protected by a shell.
C internal fertilisation occurs.
D external fertilisation occurs.
Page 4 of 14
1.1.9 Which one of the following contribute to a new-born animal having a

very good chance of surviving to reproductive age?
A Altricial and precocial development

B Ovipary and altricial development
C Altricial development and parental care
D Precocial development and parental care
1.1.10 The homeostatic function of the kidney can be affected by damage to

the hypothalamus because the…
A blood flow to the kidney increases.

B levels of glucose drop drastically.
C cellular metabolism increases.
D hypophysis/pituitary gland would not be able to secrete ADH.
(10x2) (20)
1.2 Give the correct biological term for each of the following descriptions.
Write only the term next to the question number (1.2.1 to 1.2.5) in the
ANSWER BOOK.
1.2.1 Female hormone that causes ovulation.
1.2.2 The part of the sperm that secretes enzymes to dissolve the
outer layer of the ovum.
1.2.3 The illegal killing of living organisms.
1.2.4 A visual defect due to a cornea with an irregular shape.
1.2.5 An organ in the human body that functions as an exocrine and an

endocrine gland.
(5x1) (5)
Page 5 of 14
1.3 Indicate whether each of the descriptions in COLUMN I applies to A

ONLY, B ONLY, BOTH A AND B or NONE of the items in COLUMN II.
Write A ONLY, B ONLY, BOTH A AND B or NONE next to the
question number (1.3.1 to 1.3.5) in the ANSWER BOOK.
COLUMN I COLUMN II
Hormone secreted by the A: ADH
1.3.1
pituary gland / hypothesis B: FSH
A: Under secretion of ADH
1.3.2 Hyperthyroidism
B: Increased metabolic rate
A rapid, involuntary A: Reflex arc
1.3.3
response to a stimulus B: Reflex action
Has receptors called A: Utriculus
1.3.4
maculae B: Sacculus
Receives stimuli from the A: Receptor
1.3.5
environment B: Effector
(5x2) (10)
1.4 The diagram below represents the human female reproductive

system. Answer the questions that follows.
Page 6 of 14
D
B
1.4.1 Identify parts:
a) A (1)
b) D (1)
1.4.2 Give the LETTER and the NAME of the part:
a) Produces ova, secretes progesterone and oestrogen. (2)

b) Place where the embryo implants and the placenta forms. (2)
c) Where fertilisation will take place. (2)
(8)
Page 7 of 14
1.5 The diagram below represents an animal cell in a phase of meiosis.
1.5.1 State whether the phase of meiosis shown above is a part of Meiosis I
or Meiosis II. (1)
1.5.2 Name the process visible in the diagram that took place that contributes
to genetic variation. (1)
1.5.3 How many:
a) Chromosomes are present in the cell above? (1)
b) Chromosomes will be present in each cell at the end of meiosis? (1)
c) Daughter cells will be present at the end of meiosis? (1)
1.5.4 Which phase will follow the one above? (1)
1.5.5 Give a short description of the phase you are referring to in 1.5.4 (1)
(7)
TOTAL FOR SECTION A: [50]
Page 8 of 14
SECTION B
QUESTION 2
2.1 The diagram below represents the menstrual cycle of a female.
2.1.1 The menstrual cycle is controlled by various hormones.

Name TWO hormones that will be on their highest on day 14. (2)
2.1.2 Name and explain the process that takes place on day 14. (2)
2.1.3 According to the graph, during which days did menstruation occur? (2)
2.1.4 Explain, using evidence from the graph, if fertilisation did or did not take
place. (2)
2.1.5 Name two possible contraceptives, that are not permanent, that can be used
to prevent fertilisation from taking place. (2)
2.1.6 Describe the ovarian cycle. (4)
2.1.7 Draw a labelled diagram of the structure of the spermatozoa. (5)

(19)
Page 9 of 14
2.2 2.2.1 Explain the term Eutrophication. (3)
2.2.2 Discuss how aquatic alien plants may reduce both the availability
and quality of water. (5)
2.2.3 Describe how the water availability will be influenced by the

construction of dams. (3)
(11)
TOTAL FOR QUESTION 2: [30]
QUESTION 3
3.1 Study the diagram below, which shows a reflex arch.
B
A
C
D
E
F
3.1.1 Give labels for each of the following:
a) Neuron E (1)
b) Neuron C (1)
3.1.2 Explain the effect on the reflex action if part B was damaged. (2)
3.1.3 Describe the importance of a reflex action in the human body. (3)
Page 10 of 14
3.1.4 The nerve pathway in the above response is about 1.6 metres in length.
A nerve impulse travels at 80m/s.
Calculate the time taken for this reflex action to occur. Show all your
calculations. (2)
(9)
3.2 Study the diagram of a longitudinal section through a human eye below.
3.2.1 Label parts A, B and E. (3)
3.2.2 State ONE function of part D. (1)
3.2.3 Describe the mechanism that causes part C to become smaller. (2)
3.2.4 State the significance of the mechanism described in

QUESTION 3.2.3. (2)
3.2.5 Describe accommodation in the eye for distant vision. (4)

(12)
3.3 Use your knowledge on the EAR and explain how a person on a balance
beam will be able to keep his/her balance. (5)
(4)
3.4 Explain the regulation of CO2 levels in the blood.
TOTAL FOR QUESTION 3: [30]
TOTAL FOR SECTION B: [60]
Page 11 of 14
SECTION C
QUESTION 4
The table below shows the amount of solid waste generated in a town over a period
of 6 years. Study the table and answer the questions that follow.
Year Total Solid Waste (tons)

1999 255
2000 276
2001 300
2002 330
2003 388
2004 428
4.1.1 Draw a line graph to represent the data in the above table. (5)
4.1.2 What is the difference in the amount of waste generated in the town
between 2001 and 2003? Show all the calculations. (2)
4.1.3 Name ONE strategy that the town could implement to manage the
increase in solid waste produced and explain the impact thereof on
the environment. (2)
(9)
Page 12 of 14
4.2 Grade 12 learners carried out an investigation to determine the effect of the force of
gravity on the direction of growth of young roots (radicles) of seedlings. They set up
the investigation as follows:
Diagram showing the effect of the force of gravity on the radicals of seedlings
radicle clinostat wide-mouthed glass jar
cork disc
radicle
A B
• They placed six germinated seedlings onto the rotating disc of a clinostat as
shown in diagram A.
• They covered the seedlings on the clinostat with a wide-mouthed glass jar (A).
• They placed six germinated seedlings onto a cork disc as shown in diagram B.
• They put the cork disc on its side and covered it with a wide-mouthed glass jar
(B).
• The seedlings were not rotated in B.
• They switched the clinostat in A on, so that the seedlings were continuously
turning.
• They left the seedlings for two days.
4.2.1 Identify the:

(a) Independent variable (1)
(b) Dependent variable (1)
4.2.2 Name TWO ways in which the learners could have ensured that this
investigation was valid, other than that indicated in the investigation. (2)
4.2.3 Name ONE way in which the learners could increase the reliability
of this investigation. (1)
4.2.4 Why did the learners set up the spinning clinostat in diagram A? (2)
4.2.5 What could be observed about the growth of the radicle in (2)
diagram B?
4.2.6 Which type of tropism is involved with this study? (1)
4.2.7 Name the hormone involved. (1)

(11)
Page 13 of 14
QUESTION 5
Describe the role of the hypothalamus and adrenal gland in bringing about changes to
blood vessels of the skin and explain why these changes take place.
Content: (17)
Synthesis: (3)
(20)
NOTE: NO marks will be awarded for answers in the form of flow charts, tables or
diagrams.
TOTAL SECTION C: [40]
GRAND TOTAL: [150]
Page 14 of 14

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LIFE SCIENCES

This question paper consists of 14 pages.

INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION

1. Answer ALL the questions.

2. Write ALL the answers in your ANSWER BOOK.

3. Start the answers to EACH question at the top of a NEW page.

5. Present your answers according to the instructions of each question.

7. Draw diagrams, flow charts or tables only when asked to do so.

9. You may NOT use graph paper.

11. Write neatly and legibly.

1.1.1 Which ONE of the following is a possible result of ozone depletion?

A More O2 is released into the atmosphere.

1.1.3 Thermo pollution in rivers are caused by…..

A more oxygen in the water.

A provides the embryo with oxygen.

A Has rods but no cones.

1.1.6 The following table compares Mitosis and Meiosis:

Which combination of differences is correct?

A (i), (iii) and (iv)

1.1.8 Vivipary and ovovivipary are the same in that….

A the egg has no covering.

1.1.9 Which one of the following contribute to a new-born animal having a

A Altricial and precocial development

1.1.10 The homeostatic function of the kidney can be affected by damage to

A blood flow to the kidney increases.

1.2.1 Female hormone that causes ovulation.

1.2.3 The illegal killing of living organisms.

1.2.4 A visual defect due to a cornea with an irregular shape.

1.2.5 An organ in the human body that functions as an exocrine and an

1.3 Indicate whether each of the descriptions in COLUMN I applies to A

1.4 The diagram below represents the human female reproductive

1.4.1 Identify parts:

1.4.2 Give the LETTER and the NAME of the part:

a) Produces ova, secretes progesterone and oestrogen. (2)

c) Where fertilisation will take place. (2)

1.5 The diagram below represents an animal cell in a phase of meiosis.

1.5.3 How many:

a) Chromosomes are present in the cell above? (1)

b) Chromosomes will be present in each cell at the end of meiosis? (1)

c) Daughter cells will be present at the end of meiosis? (1)

1.5.4 Which phase will follow the one above? (1)

TOTAL FOR SECTION A: [50]

2.1 The diagram below represents the menstrual cycle of a female.

2.1.1 The menstrual cycle is controlled by various hormones.

2.1.6 Describe the ovarian cycle. (4)

2.1.7 Draw a labelled diagram of the structure of the spermatozoa. (5)

2.2 2.2.1 Explain the term Eutrophication. (3)

2.2.3 Describe how the water availability will be influenced by the

TOTAL FOR QUESTION 2: [30]

3.1 Study the diagram below, which shows a reflex arch.

3.1.1 Give labels for each of the following:

3.2.1 Label parts A, B and E. (3)

3.2.2 State ONE function of part D. (1)

3.2.4 State the significance of the mechanism described in

3.2.5 Describe accommodation in the eye for distant vision. (4)

TOTAL FOR QUESTION 3: [30]

TOTAL FOR SECTION B: [60]

Year Total Solid Waste (tons)

radicle clinostat wide-mouthed glass jar

4.2.1 Identify the: