NATIONAL
SENIOR CERTIFICATE
GRADE 12
MARINE SCIENCES P2
NOVEMBER 2025
MARKING GUIDELINES
MARKS: 150
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Marine Sciences Grade 12 Paper 2 NSC November 2025 Memo
Grade 12 Marine Sciences Paper 2 memorandum from the NSC November Exam 2025, 22 pages. Read online or get the free PDF download, question paper linked when available.
Marine Sciences · Grade 12 · NSC November Exam · 2025. Memorandum, 22 pages. Read online or download the PDF.
- Subject
- Marine Sciences
- Grade
- Grade 12
- Document type
- Memorandum
- Year
- 2025
- Exam period
- NSC November Exam
- Paper
- 2
- Curriculum
- CAPS
- Pages
- 22
- File size
- 561.7 KB
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Marine Sciences/P2 2 DBE/November 2025
NSC – Marking Guidelines
PRINCIPLES RELATED TO MARKING MARINE SCIENCES
1. If more information is given than marks allocated
Stop marking when the maximum number of marks is reached, and 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 reasons irrespective of whether these first three are correct or not.
3. If a whole process is given when only a part of the process is required
Read the whole process given and credit the relevant part.
4. If comparisons are asked for, but descriptions are given
Accept the description if the differences or similarities are clearly stated.
5. If diagrams are given with annotations when descriptions are required
Mark the description.
6. If flow charts are given instead of descriptions
Mark the description only.
7. If a described sequence is muddled and links do not make sense
Where sequence and links are correct, marks are given. Should a logical sequence
resume, marks are given.
8. Non-recognised abbreviations
Accept the abbreviation if it is first defined in the answer. If the definition is not
defined, do not give credit for the unrecognised abbreviation, but credit the rest of
the answer if correct.
9. Wrong numbering
If the answer fits into the correct sequence of questions, but the wrong number is
given, credit the answer if the answer is in the correct order.
10. If the language that is used changes the intended meaning
Do not accept the answer.
11. Spelling errors
If a word is recognisable (if read out loud), accept the answer, provided it does not
mean something else in Marine Sciences terminology or if it is out of context.
12. In QUESTION 1.1 of SECTION A, only accept and credit the correct letter.
13. Be sensitive to the sense of an answer, which may be stated in a different way.
14. Title
All illustrations (e.g. diagrams, graphs and tables) must have a title written above or
below.
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Marine Sciences/P2 3 DBE/November 2025
NSC – Marking Guidelines
15. Code-switching of official languages (terms and concepts)
A term or concept written in any official language other than the learner's
assessment language used in their answers should be credited, if it is correct. A
marker that is proficient in Marine Sciences content and the official language used
should be consulted. This is applicable to all official languages.
16. Changes to the marking guidelines
No changes must be made to the marking guidelines. The provincial internal
moderator must be consulted, who in turn will consult with the national internal
moderator (and the Umalusi moderators who will be consulted, where necessary).
17. Official marking guidelines
Only marking guidelines bearing the signatures of the national internal moderator
and the Umalusi moderators and distributed by the National Department of Basic
Education via the provinces must be used.
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Marine Sciences/P2 4 DBE/November 2025
NSC – Marking Guidelines
SECTION A
QUESTION 1
1.1 1.1.1 C
1.1.2 B
1.1.3 C
1.1.4 C
1.1.5 D
1.1.6 B
1.1.7 D
1.1.8 A
1.1.9 C
1.1.10 B
(10 x 2) (20)
1.2 1.2.1 Echolocation
1.2.2 Vertebral column
1.2.3 Gill filaments
1.2.4 Ecosystem services
1.2.5 Diving bradycardia
1.2.6 Infratidal
1.2.7 Preen glands
1.2.8 Nature-based tourism
1.2.9 Respiratory tree
1.2.10 Operculum
(10 x 1) (10)
1.3 1.3.1 Both A and B
1.3.2 A only
1.3.3 None
1.3.4 None
1.3.5 B only
(5 x 2) (10)
TOTAL SECTION A: 40
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Marine Sciences/P2 5 DBE/November 2025
NSC – Marking Guidelines
SECTION B
Important notice: more potential responses are given in these marking guidelines
than marks allocated per question.
'/' means either the first or the following phrase provided in these marking
guidelines is allocated marks.
QUESTION 2
2.1 2.1.1 Year /Marine Protected Area/No-take zone (1)
2.1.2
MARKING GUIDELINES
MARK
CRITERIA
ALLOCATION
Descriptive heading above or below graph (H) ½
Heading includes all variables:
(Average) dive depth (m) and time (years) (V) ½
Type of graph (format): Bar graph (T) ½
Independent variable (I)
X-axis: time (years) ½
Dependent variable
Y-axis (D): (Average) dive depth (m) ½
Label for X-axis (XL) ½
Label for Y-axis (YL) ½
Unit of measurement of X-axis (XM) (years) ½
Unit of measurement of Y-axis (YM) (m) ½
Appropriate scale on Y-axis (YS) – must start at
zero ½
Key (K) or indicated on x-axis ½
Formatting of bars:
Bars width equal (BW) ½
Plotting (P) 2x½
2x½ (8)
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Marine Sciences/P2 6 DBE/November 2025
NSC – Marking Guidelines
2.1.3 - Lower survival rate/chicks have lower weight
- Parents would use more energy when diving deeper
- requiring more food themselves, thereby less food for the
chicks.
OR
- Lower survival rate
- Parents are longer away from nests
- Chicks are more exposed to the elements/predators.
OR
- Lower survival rate/chicks have lower weight
- Foraging parent is away longer from the nest
- Might result in the partner abandoning the nest.
(1 mark for survival rate, 2 marks for explanation) (3)
2.1.4 - Penguins employ diving bradycardia /respire anaerobically
- less energy is used by non-essential organs
- Insulation /Counter-current heat exchange (CCHE)/Oil from
preen glands
- reduces the amount of energy needed for thermoregulation
- They are streamlined /hydrodynamically shaped
- reducing the energy needed to move through the water
- High amounts of haemoglobin in the blood
- carries more oxygen for cellular respiration
(Mark any 2 pairs, mark first 2 pairs) (4)
(16)
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Marine Sciences/P2 7 DBE/November 2025
NSC – Marking Guidelines
2.2 2.2.1 - The kelp provides cover for the male Cape Breams
- protecting them from predators whilst watching over their
nests (2)
2.2.2 Predation (1)
2.2.3 (a) Ovipary /spawning (1)
(b) 'Is' Advantageous
- Many eggs are fertilised increasing the chances of
survival from predation by the Common Brittlestar /
from being washed away
- Eggs are protected by males increasing the chances of
survival
'Is not' Advantageous
- More energy is used for the production of gametes /
eggs and sperm cells
- Energy/time used for parental care by males protecting
nests and therefore less energy/time for finding food
(1 mark if Opinion and motivation correlates 1 mark
for motivation)
(Any logical relevant substantiating answer, marker
discretion for insightful thinking) (2)
2.2.4 (a) - Brittlestars have no sense organs
- They have receptors on their arms
- whereby chemicals will be detected. (3)
(b) - Brittlestars move by dragging themselves along with
their very flexible arms
- with the tube feet in the arms helping by sticking to the
substrate. (2)
(c) If Positive effect
- More of the scent would be carried out to the
brittlestars
If Negative effect
- The scent will dissipate before brittlestars detect it
(Only award mark for opinion if it is motivated)
(Any logical relevant substantiating answer, marker
discretion for insightful thinking) (2)
(13)
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Marine Sciences/P2 8 DBE/November 2025
NSC – Marking Guidelines
2.3 2.3.1 Lower balanoid zone (1)
2.3.2 - Can control population size
- to prevent overcrowding /provide more space for juveniles.
- More space for growth
- decreasing competition for space/food.
(Mark first pair, mark any pair) (2)
2.3.3 - Competition
- The black mussels have to compete for space when they
settle /for food. (2)
2.3.4 - (Decrease in food source) will result in starvation */less
energy
- Fewer breeding individuals
- Reducing breeding success
(1 Compulsory * and any 1 effect on bird numbers)
(Any logical relevant substantiating answer, marker discretion
for insightful thinking) (2)
(7)
[36]
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Marine Sciences/P2 9 DBE/November 2025
NSC – Marking Guidelines
QUESTION 3
3.1 3.1.1 - Noise pollution caused by the speedboats
- could disrupt the breeding stages of animals/disorientate their
movements/change behaviour patterns
- which could potentially cause animals to migrate out of the area
thus decreasing the biodiversity in the estuary
OR
- Litter from tourists on speedboats could fall into the estuary /
propellers/speedboat parts might break off
- could lead to the degradation of the habitat
- resulting in less space for breeding /settling.
OR
- Fuel used in engines leaks /causing oil spills
- could covering the feathers of marine birds
- which might result in marine birds feathers not being waterproof /
not being able to go into the water to feed
(Mark effect from speedboat, effect it might have on the animal)
(Any logical relevant substantiating answer, marker discretion
for insightful thinking) (3)
3.1.2 - Jet ski has a lower number of permits issued compared to the
rowing boat
- more people using the area for rowing in that year.
- SANParks could reduce the number of permits issued to Jet ski
owners /instil expensive fines for those that are caught using
areas of this estuary without a permit/have regular patrolling by
officials in and around the Knysna estuary to monitor if everyone
has their permits.
OR
- Rowing boat uses an oar which creates less disturbance /less
noise pollution in the water/does not release engine oil
- in comparison a Jet ski which is engine powered, causing greater
water turbulence /possible engine oil leaks
- SANParks could ban the use of engine types known to release oil
in greater quantities e.g. size of outboard motor.
OR
- Rowing boat does not release any carbon emissions as it makes
use of an oar which is powered by people
- in comparison to a Jet ski that has an engine that releases carbon
emissions (two stroke oil)
- SANParks could inspect the crafts' oil emissions before providing
permits.
(Mark any comparing pair and mitigation)
(Any logical relevant substantiating answer, marker discretion
for insightful thinking) (3)
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Marine Sciences/P2 10 DBE/November 2025
NSC – Marking Guidelines
3.1.3 If learner said 'YES'
- By reducing the number of permits issued for the area the number
of tourists/people in the area can be reduced.
- Only those who have permits will be allowed to make use of the
area which limits the effects of overtourism.
If learner said 'NO'
- People might use the area without a permit/illegally which means
that the number of tourists might not be monitored effectively.
- Even though permits are issued, that does not mean that those
who have a permit will only keep to one type of activity/might take
advantage.
- People with permits might not keep to the permit regulations (for
example about noise levels or distance to which wildlife may be
approached).
- More permits were given to more disruptive type of vessel/
speedboat than for less disruptive vessels such as the rowing
boat.
- The impact of the vessel must be considered when determining
the number of permits for each type of vessel /electric motors
could be prescribed/speed reduction could be greater to prevent
large wakes that are created in the water.
(1 mark if Opinion and motivation correlates 1 mark for
motivation)
(Any logical relevant substantiating answer, marker discretion
for insightful thinking) (2)
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Marine Sciences/P2 11 DBE/November 2025
NSC – Marking Guidelines
3.1.4 (a) - Influx of finer sediment will cause anoxic conditions /low
oxygen in the sediment
- causing the burrowing animals that is used as bait to
suffocate /die
- resulting in less bait to be able to catch fish with /low
fishing yield.
(Any logical relevant substantiating answer, marker
discretion for insightful thinking) (3)
(b) An annotated diagram showing a Blood Worm in a burrow
MARKING GUIDELINES OF ANNOTATED DIAGRAM
CRITERIA ELABORATION MARK
Correct drawing (D) Blood Worm in a burrow ½
Suitable heading Descriptive heading (An
(H) annotated diagram showing
a Blood Worm in a burrow) ½
Drawing - Drawing in pencil (TP) ½
technique - Drawing solid lines (not
more than 45-50%
shading – marker's ½
discretion) (TS)
Labels (L) Mark any 3 x ½ 1½
Process direction Arrow/s illustrating direction
(P) of water current through the ½
burrow (4)
(15)
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Marine Sciences/P2 12 DBE/November 2025
NSC – Marking Guidelines
3.2 3.2.1 - The seal's whiskers are positioned at the front /anterior end/
found on the outside
- allowing the seal to sense the environment before moving
forward. (2)
3.2.2 - The seal will be able to sense the trail left behind by their prey /
able to identify the size of the prey/direction their prey is going
- in order for the seal to either go after the prey and hunt or stay.
(Any logical relevant substantiating answer, marker discretion
for insightful thinking) (2)
3.2.3 (a) - The underwater sensors will be able to measure the speed
of the current /the direction in which the person needing
rescuing is going
- and send the rescue team to the correct vicinity /planning
the rescue route.
(Any logical relevant substantiating answer, marker
discretion for insightful thinking) (2)
(b) Adapting to changing/harsh/unpredictable ocean
conditions *
- Ensure that essential functions are met
- in multiple/diverse ways that are distributed (rather than
centralised).
- Ensure that the functional integrity can be maintained.
(Mark compulsory * and any 1) (2)
(c) - High energy consumption to operate
- making them less cost efficient/potentially more impact on
the environment.
- Sensors might have limited range due to complex
underwater environments
- causing inaccurate data readings.
- Replicating the design of the seal's whiskers is complex
- Requiring sophisticated technology/correct materials/high
maintenance which can become costly/high level of skills
required to operate.
(Mark first 2 pairs, mark any pairs)
(Any logical relevant substantiating answer, marker
discretion for insightful thinking)
(2 x 2) (4)
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Marine Sciences/P2 13 DBE/November 2025
NSC – Marking Guidelines
(d) If learner said 'YES'
- Sensors could help monitor underwater ecosystems.
- This technology could be used to track the movement/
migratory patterns of breeding species for better
management of those areas.
- Sensors can be used by scientists to count the number of
organisms in the area for conservation efforts/protection
based on the biodiversity /abundance.
- Sensors can detect plastics in the water to inform scientists
on areas that needs to be restored.
If learner said 'NO'
- Conservation efforts should be hands on and require a
collaborative approach to be effective.
- Sensors might not be able to give accurate data due to
human error making it ineffective.
(1 mark if Opinion and motivation correlates 1 mark for
motivation)
(Any logical relevant substantiating answer, marker
discretion for insightful thinking) (2)
(14)
3.3 3.3.1 - Community members along the Northern Cape coastline /rate
payers/organisations
- to ensure that they were informed and made aware of the
conservation initiative.
- The local municipality of the area where the Namaqua National
Park MPA is located
- to ensure effective long-term management/monitoring.
- Relevant business/fishing industries /subsistence fishers/
restaurant owners/scientist/a research unit at a university
- this allowed them to put measures in place to prevent their
business from being potentially negatively affected.
(Mark first pair, mark any pair)
(Any logical relevant substantiating answer, marker discretion
for insightful thinking) (2)
3.3.2 - Protecting/preserving habitats of fish species that are valuable in
fisheries/the Cape Hake nursery areas.
- Allows for the recovery of the West Coast Rock Lobster.
- Providing protection for feeding grounds/breeding grounds of
the dolphins from human impact for generations to come.
- Providing protection for the endemic species such as the
Heaviside Dolphin.
- The area can be used for research/educational/recreational
purposes.
(Mark first 2, mark any 2)
(Any logical relevant substantiating answer, marker discretion
for insightful thinking) (2)
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Marine Sciences/P2 14 DBE/November 2025
NSC – Marking Guidelines
3.3.3 - Increased abundance of adjacent yield /spill over effect/
increased fish stocks from the nursery
- Assisting with fisheries management to allow for the recovery of
the fisheries industry in the local community
- This can provide financial opportunities /generate more income/
job creation for members of the community
- which could improve the economic status of the people living in
the community/more fish to be sold to generate more income.
(Any logical relevant substantiating answer, marker discretion
for insightful thinking) (4)
3.3.4 (a) Data collected such as the population size /distribution/
behaviour patterns of the Heaviside Dolphin
(b) By recording the frequency of dolphin sightings their feeding
behaviours, and social interactions/aerial surveys/sound
recordings
OR
(a) Monitor the Heaviside Dolphin's health by tracking signs of
injury /disease.
(b) By collecting tissue samples /marine mammal observations.
OR
(a) Measure the availability of prey species in the area.
(b) By assessing the impact of human activities (like boating and
fishing) /that can be used in population studies on prey
species.
(Mark any pair)
(Mark variable and corresponding collecting method.)
(Any logical relevant substantiating answer, marker discretion
for insightful thinking)
(Data) (1)
(Method) (1)
(10)
[39]
TOTAL SECTION B: 75
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Marine Sciences/P2 15 DBE/November 2025
NSC – Marking Guidelines
SECTION C
When marking essays:
- Markers should indicate with the designated letter.
- Compulsory marks per section are indicated with *.
- The breakdown of the synthesis marks is indicated on the rubric for the essays.
- Credit valid responses which may be provided by the candidate from other sources.
- Markers need to allocate a minimum of four marks per bullet point.
- A maximum of two marks for the opinion.
- Excluding the opinion, the other seven marks may be awarded for any of the bullet
points being discussed.
Important notice: more potential responses are given in these marking guidelines
than marks allocated per question.
'/' means either the first or the following phrase provided in this marking guideline is
allocated marks.
ASSESSING THE PRESENTATION OF THE ESSAY
MARK
2 1 0
ALLOCATION
The introduction Some attempt to There is no
shows a contextual write an introduction. Starts
link that the introduction/ with the asked
candidate stated intention of content straight
understands what essay but to a away.
the question is, by: large extent using Provides randomly
the wording from arranged facts.
Correctly stating in the question.
INTRODUCTION
their own words Unclear that Restating the
2 marks
what the question candidate fully question
(INTR)
is about AND understands the
describing the topic.
intention/purpose
of the essay. Stated the
intention of the
essay in their own
words.
The internal Some paragraph All content sections
structure of a division but is written as one
paragraph clearly unclear (not paragraph.
planned. One main linked) why
USE OF aspect/idea content is grouped
PARAGRAPHS discussed in a in these
2 marks paragraph. If more paragraphs.
(PAR) than one aspect is
discussed in a
paragraph, the
connection is
clearly visible.
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Marine Sciences/P2 16 DBE/November 2025
NSC – Marking Guidelines
Sufficient An attempt to 25% or less of the
information with write on the topic, content that the
RELEVANCE many good points but only 26% to learner addressed is
2 marks made, 50% or 49% of the relevant to the topic
(REL) more of the content discussed asked.
content is relevant in the essay is
to the question relevant to the
asked. question asked.
Paragraphs show Generally clear Very difficult to read
logical sequence sequence but the essay as no
and are some facts not in logical sequence.
demonstrably place – content Many facts with no
LOGICAL
linked to each provided is clear layout. Clearly
SEQUENCE
other. correct but is unplanned.
2 marks
meant to be in a
(LSEQ)
different
(relevant)
paragraph. Essay
poorly planned.
Clearly bringing An attempt to No conclusion.
the aspects write a Learner clearly
discussed in the conclusion, but stopped after the
essay together in a closely quotes the content paragraphs –
CONCLUSION
final paragraph in words of the no attempt to pull the
2 marks
own words. question asked. ideas together.
(CONC)
Still shows
linkage of the
topic to their
response.
(10)
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Marine Sciences/P2 17 DBE/November 2025
NSC – Marking Guidelines
QUESTION 4
INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH
- The introduction must include Goblin Sharks and anglerfish and mention how they
can survive dark and cold conditions/predator prey relationships between Goblin
Sharks and anglerfish at depth
- Must NOT include the direct wording of the question
BIOLUMINESCENCE (B)
- Some fish species have pockets of cells called photophores
- that contain bioluminescent chemicals,
- which can be activated and deactivated by enzymes.
- Other photophores contain symbiotic luminous bacteria.
- Light can be switched on and off
- by unmasking or masking the bacteria with a fold of skin or membrane.
Min 4
SENSES (S)
- Larger area for more Ampullae of Lorenzini *
- These are small clusters of cells
- joined by jelly-filled canals to pits
- The ampullae of Lorenzini are sensitive to electricity
- and can detect the small electric fields around living animals and movement
- allowing the Goblin sharks to detect anglerfish in the dark
(1 Compulsory * + 3 any)
Min 4
VENTILATION (V)
Fish
- Some species will raise and lower the floor of the mouth
- in order to pump water over the gills,
- while others have specialised valves in the mouth
- to draw water in through the mouth
- and expel it backwards over the gills.
- The gill chambers can also be enlarged
- to pull more water into the mouth
- by moving the opercula outwards,
- while the branchiostegal membranes keep the gill slits sealed.
Min 2
Sharks
- Water enters the mouth or spiracles
- and exits, across the gills.
- Some of the larger shark species need to keep moving forward to force water
across the gills.
- This is referred to as ram ventilation.
Min 2
(Need both fish and shark)
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Marine Sciences/P2 18 DBE/November 2025
NSC – Marking Guidelines
TEMPERATURE REGULATION (T) -
- Sharks are ectothermic,
- losing heat from their body to the ocean.
- When their blood in the blood vessels passes through the gills
- the blood comes into close contact with the colder water flowing over them.
- They are able to regulate their temperatures by generating heat in their muscles
- and maintain it with counter-current heat exchange (CCHE) capillary networks (rete
mirabile).
- Veins and arteries are next to each other /close to each other
- The blood in the blood vessels flows in opposite directions
- (warm) blood flows from the inner core of the body exchanging heat with (cold)
blood flowing from the gills.
- A continuous temperature gradient is maintained.
- Heat generated is recycled/reused /transferred to allow the body to retain heat/
energy.
Min 4
Max (23)
INCREASE OF SUBMERSIBLES (I)
Yes
- More submersibles into the depths of the ocean will give us more information of
what is going on in the ocean.
- The number of animals not yet discovered/that we do not have much information
about is large; we need more information to be able to protect them better /citizen
science can contribute to our scientific knowledge/understanding.
- When tourists see the wonders of the ocean, they might donate money to research
projects/research institute /become a citizen scientist and assist researchers
- The citizens involved become more aware of the importance of scientific,
substantiated defendable research /became more educated.
- Journeys to the deep sea should be made as affordable as possible to enable more
public to get there.
No
- More submersibles in the deep ocean can disrupt animals' natural behaviour.
- More submersibles could increase the risk of pollution (light, noise or chemical).
- The light pollution might have an impact on the vision of the deep-sea animals.
- Light produced by the submersible might attract more predators to the area/
confuse animals which rely on producing bioluminescence for mating.
- It should not be made more affordable for many to make these journeys, as it might
result in overtourism.
- The ability of submersibles to be reach unexplored areas could potentially degrade
this environment due to the influx of submersibles.
(1 mark if Opinion and motivation correlates 1 mark for motivation)
(Any logical relevant substantiating answer, marker discretion for insightful
thinking)
Max (2)
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Marine Sciences/P2 19 DBE/November 2025
NSC – Marking Guidelines
CONCLUDING PARAGRAPH
- Discuss how anglerfish and Goblin Sharks are adapted to live in cold dark
environments/modern technology resulting in increased ocean exploration
- Does not repeat/reproduce wording of the question/text
Content (25)
Synthesis (10)
[35]
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Marine Sciences/P2 20 DBE/November 2025
NSC – Marking Guidelines
QUESTION 5
INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH
- The introduction must include hagfish and Blobfish and refer to survival strategies
in harsh conditions/people are more likely to protect 'cute' or charismatic animals
- Must NOT include the direct wording of the question.
SKELETAL STRUCTURE (S)
Agnatha (SA)
- (Cartilage skull and skeletal elements)
- Very reduced vertebrae
- Cartilage makes body flexible
- Cartilage is neutrally buoyant
- Hagfish do not need to expend energy to stay in one place in water column
- Wormlike body for less resistance/hydrodynamic
- Flattened fringe around tail to swim by wriggling their body from side to side/
provides forward propulsion.
Min 2
Osteichthyes (SO)
- (Bony skeleton)
- Fins can fold to make body streamlined
- Tail/caudal fin is used for forward propulsion
- Dorsal fin provides stability during movement/changing direction
- Anal fin assists with stability
- Paired pectoral fins/pelvic fins are used to change direction/enabling precision
swimming when moving slowly.
Min 2
(Need both Agnatha and Osteichtyes)
WEAKER BONES/NO SWIM BLADDER (B)
- Weaker bones will not resist pressure from the water
- Weaker bones will be moulded by the water pressure
- keeping the shape of the Blobfish
- The Blobfish does not need a swim bladder at depth, because water pressure will
keep the fish from moving up to the surface
- The Blobfish remains close to the bottom of the ocean therefore, does not need to
control buoyancy.
- A swim bladder will explode at those depths
- due to the pressure applied to the gas.
Min 4
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Marine Sciences/P2 21 DBE/November 2025
NSC – Marking Guidelines
FEEDING HAGFISH (F)
- Hagfish have three or more pairs of touch- and chemical- sensitive tentacles /
barbels
- Hagfish smell the presence of food over fairly long distances.
- Their main source of food is dead animals,
- that have sunk to the sea floor.
- They have two half-rings of keratin teeth
- around a rigid tongue,
- with which they fasten onto the dead animal
- and tear off pieces.
- In order to tear away the flesh,
- they can tie their body into a knot,
- which is then slid to the front of the slimy body/provides traction until it pulls food
away from the animal/carcass.
Min 4
PRODUCTION OF SLIME (P)
- Hagfish have very glandular skins /glands in the skin produce mucus
- from which they can secrete large amounts of slime when they are distressed.
- This slime is thought to be unpalatable to predators
- and can block their gills,
- forcing them to let go of any hagfish they may have caught.
- Hagfish become difficult to see/obscured when slime is released /the slime
camouflages them
- Hagfish prey on weak and dying prey
- They might prey on the other fish in the fishing nets
- resulting in fewer fish that can be sold.
- Hagfish produce large quantities of slime as a defence mechanism when
threatened
- Fishers need to clean the nets, that takes time. /equipment is unable to be fixed
or is broken beyond repair
Min 4
Max (23)
Ethics (E)
If YES
- Competitions will make the public aware of animals that are usually not known by
many people, this can lead to more funding and better protection of the animals.
- Competitions can lead to interest in studying one of the 'ugly animals', which can help
with research and conservation of similar animals and their deep-water habitats.
If NO
- Competitions will give the public a negative perception of the 'ugly' animal. This
may lead to people harming/neglecting the animals due to the competition
highlighting to their appearance.
- By focusing on appearance of the animals the people will not focus on ecological
importance of and environmental impact of the loss of the animal, the focus is
misguided.
Copyright reserved Please turn over
Marine Sciences/P2 22 DBE/November 2025
NSC – Marking Guidelines
- The impact of these competitions is not long term and will not translate to long term
support and should rather focus on education and research.
(1 mark if Opinion and motivation correlates 1 mark for motivation)
(Any logical relevant substantiating answer, marker discretion for insightful
thinking)
Max (2)
CONCLUDING PARAGRAPH
- Discuss how animals are specially adapted to their conditions
- Does not repeat/reproduce wording of the question/text
Content: (25)
Synthesis: (10)
[35]
TOTAL SECTION C: 35
GRAND TOTAL: 150
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