GRADE 12

LIFE SCIENCES P1

JUNE 2024

MARKS: 150

TIME: 2½ HOURS

This question paper consists of 18 pages.

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Life Sciences P1 2 FS/June 2024
Grade 12 Exam

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 for each question.

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

7. Draw diagrams, tables 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 must use a non-programmable calculator, protractor and compass, where
necessary.

11. Write neatly and legibly.

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Life Sciences P1 3 FS/June 2024
Grade 12 Exam

SECTION A

QUESTION 1

1.1 Various options are given as possible answers to the following questions.
Choose the answer and write only the letter (A to D) next to the question
numbers (1.1.1 to 1.1.10) in the ANSWER BOOK, for example, 1.1.11 D.

1.1.1 The amniotic fluid in the amniotic egg …

A removes waste products.

B provides nutrition to the developing embryo.
C protects the embryo against mechanical injuries.
D allows gaseous exchange.

1.1.2 Which pair of statements below best describes oogenesis and

spermatogenesis?

OOGENESIS SPERMATOGENESIS
A TWO ovums are produced Millions of sperms are
during mitosis produced during mitosis
B Four mature ovums are produced One sperm is produced during
during meiosis meiosis
C One mature ovum is produced during Millions of sperms are
meiosis produced during meiosis
D One ovum is produced during Four sperms are produced
mitosis during meiosis

1.1.3 Which ONE of the following photoreceptor cells are responsible for
colour vision in human eyes?

A Cones
B Rods
C Fovea
D Cornea

1.1.4 The normal site of fertilisation in a human female is the …

A uterus.
B ovary.
C vagina.
D Fallopian tube.

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Life Sciences P1 4 FS/June 2024
Grade 12 Exam

QUESTIONS 1.1.5 TO 1.1.7 ARE BASED ON THE DIAGRAM WHICH

REPRESENTS THE HUMAN BRAIN.

1.1.5 Which ONE of the following represents the corpus callosum?

A 1
B 2
C 3
D 4

1.1.6 Which ONE of the following represents the cerebellum?

A 1
B 2
C 3
D 4

1.1.7 Part 2 is responsible for …

A coordination and controlling all voluntary actions.

B controlling the heartbeat.
C conducting impulses between the two hemispheres of the brain.
D interpreting impulses from the retina of the eye.

1.1.8 The peripheral nervous system is made up of the …

A autonomic nerves and spinal cord.

B brain and automatic nerves.
C cranial nerves and the spinal nerves.
D brain and spinal cord.

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Life Sciences P1 5 FS/June 2024
Grade 12 Exam

1.1.9 Oogenesis takes place in the …

A uterus.
B ovary.
C Fallopian tube.
D vagina.

1.1.10 Which term describes the process shown in the diagram below?

Zygote Morula

A Fertilisation
B Mitosis
C Implantation
D Meiosis
(10 x 2) (20)

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Life Sciences P1 6 FS/June 2024
Grade 12 Exam

1.2 Give the correct biological term for each of the following descriptions. Write
only the term next to the question numbers (1.2.1 to 1.2.7) in the ANSWER
BOOK.

1.2.1 A thin, dark pigmented, vascular layer in the eye that provides the
cells with oxygen and nutrients

1.2.2 The branch of the autonomic nervous system that slows down the
heartrate

1.2.3 The membrane attached to the hammer/malleus

1.2.4 Membranes that surround the brain and the spinal cord

1.2.5 The neck of the uterus

1.2.6 The area of the retina that contains the highest concentration of
cones

1.2.7 The structure in the sperm that contains enzymes to dissolve the
outer layer of the ovum
(7 x 1) (7)

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Life Sciences P1 7 FS/June 2024
Grade 12 Exam

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 numbers (1.3.1 to 1.3.3) in the
ANSWER BOOK.

COLUMN I COLUMN II
1.3.1 Stores sperms temporarily until A: Scrotum
mature B: Epididymis
1.3.2 The functional connection between A: Synapse
two consecutive neurons B: Receptor
1.3.3 A structure in the ear that absorbs A: Round window
access pressure waves from the B: Oval window
cochlea
(3 x 2) (6)

1.4 The diagram represents the male reproductive system.

1.4.1 Give the LETTER and the NAME of the:

(a) Gland that protects sperm against low pH in the vagina (2)

(b) Duct that transports semen and urine to the outside of the
body (2)

1.4.2 Name:

(a) Part A (1)

(b) The hormone secreted by C (1)

1.4.3 Name the type of gametogenesis that occurs in part C. (1)

(7)

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Life Sciences P1 8 FS/June 2024
Grade 12 Exam

1.5 The diagram below represents a reflex arc.

1.5.1 Give the LETTER and the NAME of the neuron that:

(a) Receives impulses from a receptor (2)

(b) Passes signals from one neuron to another (2)

1.5.2 Name the process that takes place in the body when pin A
touches the skin. (1)

1.5.3 A disorder caused by the immune system of the human body is

visible in the diagram.

(a) Identify the disorder of the nervous system shown in

neuron G. (1)

(b) Give ONE reason for your answer to QUESTION 1.5.3.(a) (2)

1.5.4 Explain the effect of the disorder mentioned in QUESTION

1.5.3.(a) on this reflex arc. (2)
(10)

TOTAL SECTION A: [50]

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Life Sciences P1 9 FS/June 2024
Grade 12 Exam

SECTION B

QUESTION 2

2.1 Read the extract on Platypuses mammals below:

Platypuses, mammals endemic to eastern Australia, lay eggs and produce milk. After
mating, a pregnant female builds a nest for her eggs in a long hole. After a gestation
period of 21 days, she will lay 1 to 3 eggs in her nest. During the egg development
period of about 10 days, a female holds the eggs pressed by her tail to her belly,
while curled up. Newly hatched platypuses are vulnerable, blind, and hairless, and
are fed by the mother's milk, that provides all the requirements for growth and
development. They concentrate milk to their belly and feed their young by sweating it
out.

2.1.1 Which type of fertilisation occurs in these mammals? (1)

2.1.2 Give ONE reason for your answer in QUESTION 2.1.1. (2)

2.1.3 Do these mammals show altricial or precocial development? (1)

2.1.4 State TWO characteristics of the platypuses for your answer in

QUESTION 2.1.3. (2)

2.1.5 Describe parental care that the platypus applies. (2)

(8)

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 Life Sciences P1 10 FS/June 2024
Grade 12 Exam

2.2 The diagram below shows the development of the human foetus.

A
P

2.2.1 Give the LETTER and the NAME of the TWO structures that
form the placenta. (4)

2.2.2 Name and describe the structure and functions of A. (6)

2.2.3 Describe ONE function of B with reference to protection. (1)

(11)

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Life Sciences P1 11 FS/June 2024
Grade 12 Exam

2.3 The graph below represents the levels of the female hormones during
ovulation and menstruation.

2.3.1 Give the NAME of the hormone responsible for process:

(a) B (2)

(b) C (2)

2.3.2 Suggest a possible reason for the maintenance of a high level

of hormone G beyond the 28-day cycle. (2)

2.3.3 Explain why the secretion of hormone E is inhibited by the high

levels of G. (3)
(9)

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Life Sciences P1 12 FS/June 2024
Grade 12 Exam

2.4 An investigation was conducted to determine the effect of zinc supplements on

the levels of testosterone in the blood of males who participate in weightlifting.
The procedure was as follows:
• 60 healthy males who participates in weigh-lifting were selected
participate in the investigation.
• They were of the same age.
• They were given the same diet for 6 weeks.
• Their testosterone levels in the blood were measured every day for the
6-week-period.
• They were then given a zinc supplement with their diet daily for another
for 6 weeks.
• The testosterone levels in blood were again measured every day.
• The average levels of testosterone in blood were calculated before and
after the zinc supplement

Their average testosterone levels before and after administering the zinc
supplement are shown in the table below.

Average testosterone in blood

(uℓU/mℓ)
Before administering the zinc 16,8
supplement
After administering the zinc 22,5
supplement

2.4.1 Identify for this investigation the:

(a) Independent variable (1)
(b) Dependant variable (1)
2.4.2 Explain why they measured the testosterone levels before and
after the zinc supplement was administered. (2)

2.4.3 State TWO ways in which the reliability of the results was
ensured for this investigation. (2)
2.4.4 Name TWO variables that should have been considered
about the zinc supplements to ensure the validity of the (2)
investigation.
2.4.5 Write a conclusion that can be drawn from the results
obtained. (2)
(10)

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Life Sciences P1 13 FS/June 2024
Grade 12 Exam

2.5 The diagram below illustrates an eye defect.

2.5.1 Identify the eye defect shown in the diagram above. (1)

2.5.2 State THREE causes for this defect identified in QUESTION

2.5.1. (3)

2.5.3 The defect illustrated in the diagram above can be corrected

by wearing glasses. Which shape of lenses will be
prescribed? (1)

2.5.4 Name the ability of humans to focus on an object using both

eyes that give a single image. (1)

2.5.5 The man in the diagram moves to a darker room.

(a) What change will occur in his eyes? (1)

(b) Which part of the eye will be responsible for this change? (1)

(c) Describe the process that will bring about the change
mentioned in QUESTION 2.5.5 (a). (4)

(12)
TOTAL QUESTION 2: [50]

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Life Sciences P1 14 FS/June 2024
Grade 12 Exam

QUESTION 3

3.1 The diagram below represents the outer and inner ear of humans.

3.1.1 Give the letter and name of the part that:

(a) Transmits impulses to the brain (2)

(b) Contains glands that produces earwax (2)

3.1.2 Describe the role of the middle ear in equalising air pressure. (2)

3.1.3 Explain how part B restores balance when a person trips over a
log. (6)
(12)

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Life Sciences P1 15 FS/June 2024
Grade 12 Exam

3.2 The diagrams below represent two types of neurons:

3.2.1 Identify the neuron in

(a) Diagram I (1)

(b) Diagram II (1)

3.2.2 Tabulate TWO differences between the neurons above. (5)

3.2.3 Identify structure:

(a) A and state ONE function of it. (2)

(b) D (1)

(10)

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Life Sciences P1 16 FS/June 2024
Grade 12 Exam

3.3 The diagram and the graph below relate to the control of salt levels in
the body.
An investigation was conducted to determine the relationship between
the amount of salt consumed and the volume of urine produced.
The following procedure was followed:

• One man participated in the investigation

• He was given the same volume of salt solution to drink every day
for four days
• He drank the solution daily at 07:00
• Each day the amount of salt consumed was increased by adding
more salt to the same volume of water
• The volume of urine produced by the participant was measured
daily

The results are shown in the graph below.

Volume of urine produced after

consuming different amounts of salt

P
Volume of urine (litres per day)

1,7

1
0,5

500 1000 1500 2000

Salt concentration
(parts per thousand)

3.3.1 Identify gland P (1)

3.3.2 Name the hormone produced by gland P which:

(a) Controls salt concentration in the blood (1)

(b) Prepares the body for emergency (1)

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Life Sciences P1 17 FS/June 2024
Grade 12 Exam

3.3.3 Calculate the percentage increase in the volume of urine

between 500 and 1 000 parts per thousand. Show all your
working. (3)

3.3.4 Explain the results of this investigation as presented in the graph. (5)
(11)

3.4 Study the diagram which shows the relationship between two endocrine
glands.

3.4.1 Identify gland:

(1)
(a) A
(1)
(b) B

3.4.2 Which interaction/mechanism is depicted by this diagram? (1)

3.4.3 Identify hormone:
(1)
(a) X
(1)
(b) Y

3.4.4 What effect does an:

(a) Over-secretion, and an (2)

(b) Under-secretion of hormone X have on the production of (2)

hormone Y.
(9)

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Life Sciences P1 18 FS/June 2024
Grade 12 Exam

3.5 The graph and diagrams below indicate the effect of strenuous exercise,
followed by a cold shower, on the body temperature of an athlete.

Strenuous Cold shower

38,5 excise at 18oC
Body temperature oc

38,0

37,5

37,0

36,5

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80

Minutes

DIAGRAM I DIAGRAM II

3.5.1 Which part of the brain responds to the changes in

temperature that occur at A and B, as seen on the graph? (1)

3.5.2 How long did the person engage in strenuous exercise? (1)

3.5.3 Which diagram I or II would represent the condition of the skin

after 15 min? (1)

3.5.4 Explain your answer to QUESTION 3.5.3 (5)

(8)

TOTAL SECTION B: [100]

GRAND TOTAL: [150]

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