National Senior Certificate: Grade 12

NATIONAL
SENIOR CERTIFICATE
GRADE 12
LIFE SCIENCES P2
VERSION 2 (OLD CONTENT) FOR PART-TIME CANDIDATES
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013
MARKS: 150
TIME: 2½ hours
This question paper consists of 13 pages.
Copyright reserved Please turn over

Life Sciences/P2 (Version 2) (Part-time) 2 DBE/Feb.–Mar. 2013
NSC
INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION
Read the following instructions carefully before answering the questions.
1. Answer ALL the questions.
2. Write ALL the answers in the 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 at each question.
6. Do ALL drawings in pencil and label them in blue or black ink.
7. Draw diagrams or flow charts only when asked to do so.
8. The diagrams in this question paper are NOT necessarily drawn to scale.
9. Do NOT use graph paper.
10. You may use a non-programmable calculator, protractor and compass.
11. Write neatly and legibly.

NSC
SECTION A
QUESTION 1
1.1 Various options are given 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 1.1.5) in the ANSWER BOOK, for example
1.1.6 D.
1.1.1 Two individuals are members of the same species if they …
A have different numbers of chromosomes.

B breed at different times.
C are phenotypically different.
D can mate and produce fertile offspring.
1.1.2 Which of the following are characteristics of fossilisation?
(i) Organisms tend to decay before coming fossils.

(ii) All organisms were preserved as fossils.
(iii) Animals with hard parts are preserved more easily.
(iv) Geological processes may destroy fossils.
A (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv)

B (ii), (iii) and (iv)
C (i), (iii) and (iv)
D (ii) and (iv)
1.1.3 Darwin's theory of evolution is based on …
A use and disuse.

B natural selection.
C a tendency towards perfection in organisms.
D the passing on of acquired characteristics to offspring.
1.1.4 Gene flow is best defined as ...
A the transmission of genetic information from the cytoplasm to the

nucleus.
B the transmission of alleles from parents to their offspring.
C the spread of alleles through a population over a period of
successive generations.
D the movement of genes from one chromosome to another.

NSC
1.1.5 How do scientists explain the vestigial structures (pelvis and femur)
in a whale shown in the diagram below?
A Whales need the femur to swim.

B Whales will be able to walk on land in the future.
C The ancestors of whales had hind limbs.
D Humans evolved from whales. (5 x 2) (10)
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 A diagram that shows possible evolutionary relationships between

groups of organisms
1.2.2 Fossil species that have some traits of two different groups of
organisms that are thought to be related
1.2.3 All the non-living components in an ecosystem
1.2.4 Numerous interacting food chains that show the feeding
relationships in an ecosystem
1.2.5 Well-substantiated explanations of related hypotheses that have
been accepted (5)
1.3 Indicate whether each of the statements 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 1.3.4) in the ANSWER BOOK.
COLUMN I COLUMN II
1.3.1 The variable that is observed or A: Independent
measured by an investigator during an B: Dependant
investigation
1.3.2 Structures that have a similar basic A: Homologous
construction, which indicates a common B: Analogous
ancestor
1.3.3 Effect of water pollution on the health of A: Gastroenteritis
humans B: Typhoid
1.3.4 Dating of fossils by comparing the age of A: Relative dating
one fossil to another B: Radiometric dating
(4 x 2) (8)

NSC
1.4 Study the diagram below showing possible evolutionary relationships

amongst some groups of organisms.
Millions of years ago

700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0
Bacteria
Protista
Fungi
Algae
Ferns
Flowering
plants
Invertebrates
Fish
Amphibians
Reptiles
Birds
X
Mammals
Possible evolutionary relationships amongst

some groups of organisms
According to the diagram:
1.4.1 How many million years ago did fungi evolve? (1)
1.4.2 Which were the first organisms to live on Earth? (1)
1.4.3 Which group of plants gave rise to flowering plants? (1)
1.4.4 Which is the most recent group of animals to evolve? (1)
1.4.5 Which groups of organisms were derived directly from the

common ancestor X? (2)
(6)

NSC
1.5 Lichens are small organisms that can be used as indicators of pollution.
Lichens generally flourish in rural areas but do not appear in industrial areas,
which are normally near the city centre. The graph below shows the number
of dark moths as well as the number of lichens at various distances from the
city centre.
Number of dark moths and lichens at various

distances from city centre
Number of organisms
KEY:
Lichens
Dark moths
Distance from city centre (km)
1.5.1 Describe the relationship between the distribution of lichens and

dark moths, and the distance from the city centre. (3)
1.5.2 Explain why lichens do not grow in industrial areas. (3)
1.5.3 Predict how the population of dark moths will change when
pollution is reduced in the industrial areas. (1)
1.5.4 Explain your answer to QUESTION 1.5.3. (3)

(10)
1.6 A comparison of the anatomical features of the skulls of different species has
helped scientists to propose evolutionary relationships.
Some important anatomical differences between skulls
1.6.1 Tabulate THREE observable differences between the side view of

the skulls O and P. (7)
1.6.2 Using the letters M, N and O from the diagram above, give the
correct sequence in which these organisms appeared on Earth. (3)
1.6.3 Name ONE fossil of Australopithecus found in South Africa. (1)

(11)
TOTAL SECTION A: 50
NSC
SECTION B
QUESTION 2
2.1 Study the three diagrams (A, B and C) below that show how a population of
beetles changed over a long period of time.
A B C
Time
The change in the beetle population over time
2.1.1 By comparing diagrams A and B, state the characteristic of the

beetles that have enabled their offspring to survive. (1)
2.1.2 Name the mechanism that is illustrated in these diagrams. (1)
2.1.3 Use the THREE diagrams above to explain the mechanism named
in QUESTION 2.1.2. (6)
(8)
2.2 Refer to the diagrams below that show the distribution of the fossils of
Glossopteris and the present-day Glossopteris plants and answer the
questions that follow.
KEY:
Glossopteris plants
Glossopteris fossils
2.2.1 Between 500 and 300 million years ago the Earth was one
supercontinent as shown in the first diagram. What is the name of
this supercontinent? (1)
2.2.2 How do scientists explain the present-day distribution of
Glossopteris plants? (3)
(4)
NSC
2.3 A team of environmental monitors from the Department of Water Affairs took
samples downstream from a paint factory. The team tested the water for
concentrations of metal pollutants. Three months later the monitors repeated the
test. The results of the investigation are shown in the table below, together with
the human tolerance levels for these metal pollutants.
METAL CONCENTRATION (x 10 mg/ℓ)

POLLUTANTS RESULTS RESULTS OF CONCENTRATION
OF FIRST SECOND TEST THAT HUMANS CAN
TEST (THREE MONTHS TOLERATE
LATER)
Arsenic 0,03 0,02 5
Cadmium 0,02 0,60 1
Lead 2,10 3,80 5
Mercury 0,04 0,23 5
2.3.1 Which metal pollutant has decreased in concentration between the

two tests? (1)
2.3.2 Give TWO possible reasons why there could be a decrease in the
metal named in QUESTION 2.3.1. (2)
2.3.3 Which metal concentration has increased the most in the last three
months? (1)
2.3.4 Explain whether the present concentrations of the metals are a risk
for human health. (2)
(6)

NSC
2.4 A pupil thinks that sulphur dioxide (SO 2 ) will have a toxic effect on germinating
seeds. She does an investigation over a two-week period, as shown in the
diagram below, to test her idea. Sodium metabisulphite, when mixed with water,
releases sulphur dioxide.
• Cotton wool is placed in two trays.

• Five radish seeds are placed on the cotton wool in each tray.
• The seeds are covered with clear plastic bags.
• A solution of sodium metabisulphite and water is placed in one plastic
bag with the seeds.
• The seeds are left for a week.
• The plants which resulted from germination are counted.
SET A SET B
Radish plants and air Radish plants and SO 2
Clear plastic bag
Plants
Sodium metabisulphite
and water
The following results were obtained:
DAY NUMBER OF PLANTS IN SET A NUMBER OF PLANTS IN SET B

2 2 2
4 4 4
6 4 2
8 4 0
2.4.1 Name the dependent variable in this investigation. (1)
2.4.2 Formulate a hypothesis for the above investigation. (3)
2.4.3 Explain THREE ways in which the reliability of the results can be
ensured. (6)
2.4.4 State TWO effects of air pollution on human health. (2)

(12)
[30]

NSC
QUESTION 3
3.1 The table below shows different types of waste and their decomposition
times.
TYPES OF WASTE DECOMPOSITION TIME

(MONTHS)
Nylon socks 40
Tin cans 30
Paper 15
Glass 10
Orange peel 5
3.1.1 Draw a pie graph to represent the data in the table above. Show
ALL working. (9)
3.1.2 Name ONE type of waste in the table above that can be recycled. (1)
3.1.3 Explain TWO advantages of recycling. (4)

(14)
3.2 During his journey Darwin discovered that there were different species of
tortoises on each of the two different islands.
One had a domed shell and short neck and the other one had a longer neck.
The two islands had different vegetation. One of the islands (Island X) was
rather dry. It had no grass, but rather short, tree-like cactus plants.
On the other island (Island Y), there were no cactus plants but it had a good
supply of water and grass grew across the island.
A B
3.2.1 Which tortoise (A or B) would have been found on Island Y? (1)
3.2.2 Darwin suggested that these two species on the different islands
might have evolved from a common ancestor from the mainland.
Explain how this could have occurred. (9)
(10)

NSC
3.3 The map below shows a region of coastline close to where a giant oil tanker
was wrecked at sea. The shallow waters of the coastline sustain a rich source
of crabs that are eaten by humans and other organisms. Oil does not kill the
crabs but their flesh cannot be eaten (contaminated) and they cannot be sold.
Samples of the crabs were collected at sites A to D.
The number of crabs is indicated by the size of the squares. The size of the
shaded part at each site represents the proportion of the crabs with
contaminated flesh after the disaster.
Site of wrecked oil

tanker
Direction of
flow of river A B C D
Map of coastline where an oil tanker was wrecked at sea
3.3.1 Which sample site (A, B, C or D) had the highest number of crabs? (1)
3.3.2 Name the substance of pollution that affected the crabs. (1)
3.3.3 At which sample site (A, B, C or D) were the least number of crabs
affected compared to their population size? (1)
3.3.4 Explain your answer to QUESTION 3.3.3. (2)
3.3.5 State ONE consequence of an increase in the number of

contaminated crabs to humans. (1)
(6)
[30]
TOTAL SECTION B: 60

NSC
SECTION C
QUESTION 4
4.1 Homo sapiens share some characteristics with other primates, one of which is
an opposable thumb.
4.1.1 State ONE possible advantage of having an opposable thumb. (1)
4.1.2 List FOUR characteristics that humans share with primates, other
than an opposable thumb. (4)
(5)
4.2 Scientists have used information from various fields of science to provide
evidence for evolution.
4.2.1 List FOUR aspects of comparative biochemistry that provide

evidence for evolution. (4)
4.2.2 State TWO pieces of evidence from comparative embryology that

have led scientists to believe that all vertebrates may have had a
common ancestor. (2)
(6)
4.3 There are different sources of genetic variation within populations.
4.3.1 Explain how each of the following contributes to genetic variation:

(a) Prophase 1 (2)
(b) Random fusion of gametes (1)
4.3.2 Define gene mutation. (1)
4.3.3 Explain how gametes with extra chromosomes arise. (3)
4.3.4 Name the process that occurs when gametes fuse. (1)
4.3.5 State what is meant by each of the following:
(a) Lethal mutations (1)
(b) Fixed mutations (1)

(10)

NSC
4.4 The graph below shows reported cases of waterborne diseases affecting
children in the rural areas of a province over a period of one year. Study the
graph and answer the questions that follow.
Percentage of different kinds of waterborne diseases

in children reported in a province in one year
Percentage of cases reported
Cholera
Typhoid
Diarrhoea
Bilharzia
Waterborne diseases
4.4.1 According to the graph, which disease had the highest percentage of
reported cases in this province? (1)
4.4.2 Describe THREE possible ways in which data was collected for this
investigation. (3)
(4)
4.5 Describe FOUR ways in which the overexploitation of indigenous plants

impacts on the environment and also explain FOUR appropriate management
strategies that can reduce such overexploitation. Content: (12)
Synthesis: (3)
(15)
NOTE: NO marks will be awarded for answers in the form of flow charts or
diagrams.
TOTAL SECTION C: 40
GRAND TOTAL: 150
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NATIONAL

VERSION 2 (OLD CONTENT) FOR PART-TIME CANDIDATES

This question paper consists of 13 pages.

Copyright reserved Please turn over

INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION

Read the following instructions carefully before answering the questions.

1. Answer ALL the questions.

2. Write ALL the answers in the ANSWER BOOK.

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

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

6. Do ALL drawings in pencil and label them in blue or black ink.

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

9. Do NOT use graph paper.

10. You may use a non-programmable calculator, protractor and compass.

11. Write neatly and legibly.

Copyright reserved Please turn over

1.1.1 Two individuals are members of the same species if they …

A have different numbers of chromosomes.

1.1.2 Which of the following are characteristics of fossilisation?

(i) Organisms tend to decay before coming fossils.

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

1.1.3 Darwin's theory of evolution is based on …

A use and disuse.

1.1.4 Gene flow is best defined as ...

A the transmission of genetic information from the cytoplasm to the

Copyright reserved Please turn over

A Whales need the femur to swim.

1.2.1 A diagram that shows possible evolutionary relationships between

1.3 Indicate whether each of the statements in COLUMN I applies to

Copyright reserved Please turn over

1.4 Study the diagram below showing possible evolutionary relationships

Millions of years ago

Possible evolutionary relationships amongst

According to the diagram:

1.4.2 Which were the first organisms to live on Earth? (1)

1.4.3 Which group of plants gave rise to flowering plants? (1)

1.4.4 Which is the most recent group of animals to evolve? (1)

1.4.5 Which groups of organisms were derived directly from the

Copyright reserved Please turn over

Number of dark moths and lichens at various

Distance from city centre (km)

1.5.1 Describe the relationship between the distribution of lichens and

1.5.2 Explain why lichens do not grow in industrial areas. (3)

1.5.4 Explain your answer to QUESTION 1.5.3. (3)

Some important anatomical differences between skulls

1.6.1 Tabulate THREE observable differences between the side view of

1.6.3 Name ONE fossil of Australopithecus found in South Africa. (1)

The change in the beetle population over time

2.1.1 By comparing diagrams A and B, state the characteristic of the

METAL CONCENTRATION (x 10 mg/ℓ)

2.3.1 Which metal pollutant has decreased in concentration between the

Copyright reserved Please turn over

• Cotton wool is placed in two trays.

Clear plastic bag

The following results were obtained:

DAY NUMBER OF PLANTS IN SET A NUMBER OF PLANTS IN SET B

2.4.1 Name the dependent variable in this investigation. (1)

2.4.2 Formulate a hypothesis for the above investigation. (3)

2.4.4 State TWO effects of air pollution on human health. (2)