Life Sciences Grade 11 P2 November Mock 2026 Memo (English)

hlayiso mock exams Practice Series: Grade 11 Exam Preparation WWW.HLAYISO.COM NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE GRADE 11 LIFE SCIENCES P2 NOVEMBER EXAMINATION 2026 (MOCK) MARKING GUIDELINES MARKS: 150 These marking guidelines consist of 12 pages. Copyright reserved Please turn over

Life Sciences/P2 2 Hlayiso/Mock 2026 NSC – Marking Guidelines PRINCIPLES RELATED TO MARKING LIFE SCIENCES 1. If more information than marks allocated is given Stop marking when the maximum marks are reached; draw a wavy line and write ‘max’ in the right-hand margin. 2. If, for example, three reasons are required and five are given Mark the first three only, irrespective of whether they are correct or incorrect. 3. If a whole process is given when only a part of it is required Read all of it and credit the relevant part. 4. If comparisons are asked for but descriptions are given Accept if the differences/similarities are clear. 5. If tabulation is required but paragraphs are given Candidates lose the mark for the table. 6. If diagrams with annotations are given when descriptions are required Candidates lose marks. 7. If flow charts are given instead of descriptions Candidates lose marks. 8. If the sequence is muddled and links do not make sense Credit where the sequence and links are correct. Where they are incorrect, do not credit. If they become correct again, resume crediting. 9. Non-recognised abbreviations Accept if first defined in the answer; otherwise do not credit the abbreviation but credit the rest of the answer if correct. 10. Wrong numbering If the answer fits into the correct sequence of questions but the wrong number is given, it is acceptable. 11. If the language used changes the intended meaning Do not accept. 12. Spelling errors Accept if recognisable, provided it does not mean something else in Life Sciences and is not out of context. 13. If only the letter is asked for but only the name is given (and vice versa) Do not credit. 14. If units are not given in measurements Candidates lose marks; the marking guidelines allocate marks for units separately. 15. Be sensitive to the sense of an answer, which may be stated in a different way. 16. Caption All illustrations (diagrams, graphs, tables, etc.) must have a caption. 17. Code-switching of official languages (terms and concepts) A single word or two in another official language should be credited if it is correct. Copyright reserved Please turn over

Life Sciences/P2 3 Hlayiso/Mock 2026 NSC – Marking Guidelines 18. Symbols used in these marking guidelines ✓ = one mark; / = alternative answer; * = compulsory mark; (Mark first … only) = mark only the stated number of answers in the order given. Copyright reserved Please turn over

Life Sciences/P2 4 Hlayiso/Mock 2026 NSC – Marking Guidelines SECTION A QUESTION 1 1.1 1.1.1 B✓✓ 1.1.2 D✓✓ 1.1.3 A✓✓ 1.1.4 C✓✓ 1.1.5 D✓✓ 1.1.6 A✓✓ 1.1.7 C✓✓ 1.1.8 B✓✓ 1.1.9 D✓✓ 1.1.10 A✓✓ (10 x 2) (20) 1.2 1.2.1 Pathogen✓ 1.2.2 Gametophyte✓ 1.2.3 Cross-pollination✓ 1.2.4 Coelom✓ 1.2.5 Carrying capacity✓ 1.2.6 Primary succession✓ 1.2.7 Eutrophication✓ 1.2.8 Seed bank✓ (8 x 1) (8) 1.3 1.3.1 A only✓✓ 1.3.2 Both A and B✓✓ 1.3.3 None✓✓ (3 x 2) (6) 1.4 1.4.1 (a) Stigma✓ (1) (b) Anther✓ (1) (c) Ovary✓ (1) 1.4.2 (a) G✓ (1) (b) B✓ (1) 1.4.3 Insect-pollinated✓ (1) 1.4.4 - Large petals✓ - The anthers are inside the flower✓ - The stigma is inside the flower/small and not feathery✓ Any 1 (Mark first ONE only) (1) 1.4.5 Protects the flower in the bud stage✓ (1) (8) 1.5 1.5.1 Sigmoid✓/logistic/S-shaped growth curve (1) Copyright reserved Please turn over

Life Sciences/P2 5 Hlayiso/Mock 2026 NSC – Marking Guidelines 1.5.2 (a) Exponential phase✓/log phase/geometric phase (1) (b) Equilibrium phase✓/stationary phase (1) 1.5.3 600 springbok✓ (1) 1.5.4 - There are only a few individuals✓to reproduce - The springbok are still adapting to the new environment✓ - It takes time for the young to reach reproductive age✓ Any 2 (2) 1.5.5 - Food✓ - Water✓ - Space/shelter✓ - Predators✓ - Disease✓ Any 2 (Mark first TWO only) (2) (8) TOTAL SECTION A: 50 Copyright reserved Please turn over

Life Sciences/P2 6 Hlayiso/Mock 2026 NSC – Marking Guidelines SECTION B QUESTION 2 2.1 2.1.1 (a) Plasmid✓ (1) (b) Flagellum✓ (1) 2.1.2 - There is no nucleus/nuclear membrane✓– the DNA lies free in the cytoplasm - There are no membrane-bound organelles✓ (2) 2.1.3 - As decomposers that recycle nutrients✓ - Nitrogen fixation✓ - Making foods such as yoghurt/cheese/amasi✓ - Producing medicines such as insulin through genetic engineering✓ - Treatment of sewage✓ - Producing vitamins in the human gut✓ Any 2 (Mark first TWO only) (2) (6) 2.2 2.2.1 (a) Type of antibiotic✓ (1) (b) Diameter of the clear zone✓ (1) 2.2.2 It acts as a control✓/to show that the antibiotic, not the disc or the water, prevents the growth of bacteria (1) 2.2.3 P✓– it has the largest clear zone/24 mm✓ (2) 2.2.4 R✓ (1) 2.2.5 - If the course is not completed, not all the bacteria are killed✓ - The bacteria that survive are the most resistant ones✓ - They multiply✓and the infection returns - The new bacteria are resistant to the antibiotic✓, so the antibiotic will no longer be effective Any 3 (3) 2.2.6 - Sterilise all equipment/use sterile techniques✓ - Keep the lid taped closed/do not open the plate✓ - Incubate at 25 °C, not at body temperature✓, to avoid growing human pathogens - Wash hands before and after the investigation✓ - Dispose of the plates safely (e.g. autoclave)✓ - Wear gloves✓ Any 2 (Mark first TWO only) (2) (11) 2.3 2.3.1 Bacteria✓ (1) Copyright reserved Please turn over

Life Sciences/P2 7 Hlayiso/Mock 2026 NSC – Marking Guidelines 2.3.2 - Sewage containing the bacteria (from the faeces of infected people) leaked into the river✓ - People drank the contaminated river water✓ (2) 2.3.3 - Severe diarrhoea and vomiting✓ - cause a rapid loss of water and salts/dehydration✓ (2) 2.3.4 Antibiotics✓ (1) 2.3.5 - Repair the sewage pipe/provide proper sanitation✓ - Treat/chlorinate the drinking water✓/add bleach to stored water - Wash hands with soap after using the toilet and before handling food✓ - Avoid using untreated river water✓ - Educate the community about the spread of cholera✓ Any 2 (Mark first TWO only) (2) (8) 2.4 2.4.1 (a) Bryophytes✓ (1) (b) Gymnosperms✓ (1) 2.4.2 (a) A✓and B✓ (2) (b) D✓ (1) 2.4.3 Sporophyte✓ (1) 2.4.4 - They have no vascular tissue/xylem✓ - to support the plant/transport water over long distances✓ - Water moves slowly from cell to cell by osmosis/diffusion✓ - The sperm must swim in water to reach the egg✓ Any 2 (2) 2.4.5 - The seed coat protects the embryo from drying out✓ - Seeds contain stored food✓for the embryo - Seeds can remain dormant✓until conditions are favourable - Seeds can be dispersed✓to new areas Any 2 (2) (10) 2.5 2.5.1 (a) Mesoderm✓ (1) (b) Coelom✓ (1) 2.5.2 (a) 1✓ (1) (b) 2✓ (1) 2.5.3 DIAGRAM 1: Cnidaria✓ DIAGRAM 2: Platyhelminthes✓ (2) Copyright reserved Please turn over

Life Sciences/P2 8 Hlayiso/Mock 2026 NSC – Marking Guidelines 2.5.4 - It provides space for the development of complex organs✓so that the organs can function/move independently of the body wall✓ - The coelomic fluid acts as a hydrostatic skeleton✓for support and movement✓ - The fluid helps to transport substances✓around the body✓ - The fluid cushions the organs✓and protects them against mechanical injury✓ Any 2 x 2 (4) (10) 2.6 WIND-POLLINATED INSECT-POLLINATED FLOWERS FLOWERS Petals small, dull or absent Petals large and brightly coloured No scent or nectar Scent and/or nectar present Anthers hang outside the Anthers are inside the flower flower Stigmas large, feathery and Stigmas small, sticky and hang outside the flower inside the flower Large amounts of light, Smaller amounts of smooth pollen sticky/spiky pollen ✓✓ for each difference (Any 2 x 2) + table ✓ = 5 (Mark first TWO only) (5) [50] Copyright reserved Please turn over

Life Sciences/P2 9 Hlayiso/Mock 2026 NSC – Marking Guidelines QUESTION 3 3.1 3.1.1 Population size = number marked in sample 1 × total number in sample 2 number marked in sample 2 = (60 × 75) ÷ 15✓✓ = 300 snails✓ (3) 3.1.2 - The paint marks do not fall off/do not harm the snails✓ - The marked snails mix randomly with the rest of the population✓ - No snails move into or out of the area✓/no migration - There are no (or very few) births and deaths during the week✓ - Marked snails are not more likely to be caught or eaten✓ - Both samples are taken in the same area✓ Any 3 (Mark first THREE only) (3) 3.1.3 - To allow the marked snails to mix randomly✓ - with the rest of the population✓so that the second sample is representative (2) 3.1.4 So that the paint does not harm/kill the snails✓, which would affect the results (1) (9) 3.2 3.2.1 Black-backed jackal✓ (1) 3.2.2 Year 3✓ (1) 3.2.3 - The dassie population decreased (from year 3)✓ - so there was less food for the jackals✓ - and jackals died of starvation/produced fewer offspring/moved away✓ Any 2 (2) 3.2.4 - There were fewer jackals/predators✓ - so fewer dassies were eaten/less predation✓ - and more dassies survived to reproduce✓ Any 2 (2) 3.2.5 - Food availability/competition for food✓ - Disease✓ - Shelter/space✓ - Water✓ Any 2 (Mark first TWO only) (2) (8) Copyright reserved Please turn over

Life Sciences/P2 10 Hlayiso/Mock 2026 NSC – Marking Guidelines 3.3 3.3.1 Calculations: Food and garden waste: 38/100 × 360° = 136,8° Paper and cardboard: 22/100 × 360° = 79,2° Plastic: 18/100 × 360° = 64,8° Glass: 12/100 × 360° = 43,2° Metal: 10/100 × 360° = 36° Composition of household waste collected in one month Metal (10%) Glass Food and garden (12%) waste (38%) Plastic (18%) Paper and cardboard (22%) Criteria Mark Correct type of graph: pie chart (T) 1 Caption/title that describes what is shown (H) 1 Calculations (C): 1–4 calculations correct 1 (7) All 5 calculations correct 2 Key or labels for the sectors provided (K) 1 Correct proportions of sectors (P): 1–4 sectors correct 1 All 5 sectors correct 2 3.3.2 - Recycle paper/plastic/glass/metal✓ - Compost food and garden waste✓ - Reuse containers and shopping bags✓ - Buy products with less packaging✓ Any 2 (Mark first TWO only) (2) Copyright reserved Please turn over

Life Sciences/P2 11 Hlayiso/Mock 2026 NSC – Marking Guidelines 3.3.3 - Food waste is decomposed by bacteria in the absence of oxygen✓/anaerobically - releasing methane✓ - Methane is a greenhouse gas✓ - which traps heat in the atmosphere✓/increases the greenhouse effect, raising global temperatures Any 3 (3) (12) 3.4 3.4.1 - Fertilisers from the farms✓ - (Partly treated) sewage✓ (2) 3.4.2 - The nutrients cause a rapid growth of algae✓/an algal bloom on the surface - which prevents light from reaching the water plants below✓ - The plants (and algae) die✓ - Decomposers/bacteria break down the dead material✓ - and use up the oxygen in the water✓ - The fish die from a lack of oxygen✓ Any 4 (4) 3.4.3 - The water hyacinth grows quickly and has many large leaves✓ - which lose large amounts of water by transpiration✓ (2) 3.4.4 - A living organism/natural enemy is used✓ - to reduce/control the population of the alien plant✓(instead of chemicals) - The weevil feeds only on the water hyacinth✓, so it does not harm other species Any 2 (2) (10) 3.5 3.5.1 When all people, at all times, have access✓to enough safe and nutritious food✓for an active and healthy life (2) 3.5.2 Monoculture✓ (1) 3.5.3 - The same nutrients are removed from the soil every year✓, so soil fertility decreases✓/more fertiliser is needed - Pests and diseases of the crop build up✓and can destroy the whole crop✓ - It reduces biodiversity✓because indigenous plants and the animals that depend on them are lost✓ Any 1 x 2 (2) 3.5.4 - Bt maize kills the stalk borer✓ - so there is less damage to the crop✓ - and more maize is harvested✓/higher yield - Less money is spent on pesticides, so maize may be cheaper✓ Any 2 (2) Copyright reserved Please turn over

Life Sciences/P2 12 Hlayiso/Mock 2026 NSC – Marking Guidelines 3.5.5 - Pesticides kill useful insects such as bees/pollinators✓so fewer crops are pollinated✓ - Pesticides wash into rivers✓and poison aquatic organisms✓ - Pesticides accumulate in food chains✓and harm birds/predators✓ - Pests become resistant✓so more pesticide is needed✓ Any 1 x 2 (2) 3.5.6 - They may have unknown long-term effects on human health/cause allergies✓ - Modified genes may spread to wild plants✓ - They may reduce biodiversity✓ - Pests may become resistant to the Bt protein✓ - GM seed is expensive/farmers depend on seed companies✓ Any 2 (Mark first TWO only) (2) (11) [50] TOTAL SECTION B: 100 GRAND TOTAL: 150 Copyright reserved