# Marine Sciences Grade 12 Paper 2 NSC November 2025 Question Paper

> Grade 12 Marine Sciences Paper 2 question paper from the NSC November Exam 2025, 17 pages. Read online or get the free PDF download, memo linked when available.

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- Updated: 2026-09-28
- Subject: Marine Sciences
- Grade: Grade 12
- Document type: Question paper
- Year: 2025
- Exam period: NSC November Exam
- Paper: 2
- Curriculum: CAPS
- Pages: 17

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### Page 1

Confidential

                                NATIONAL
                           SENIOR CERTIFICATE

                                   GRADE 12

                             MARINE SCIENCES P2

                                NOVEMBER 2025

MARKS: 150

TIME: 2½ hours

                     This question paper consists of 17 pages.

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Marine Sciences/P2                           2                              DBE/November 2025
                                       NSC Confidential

 INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION

 Read the following instructions carefully before answering the questions.

 1.        This question paper consists of THREE sections. Answer the questions as
           follows:

           SECTION A:      COMPULSORY
           SECTION B:      COMPULSORY
                           Consists of QUESTIONS 2 and 3.
                           Answer BOTH questions in this section.
           SECTION C:      Consists of QUESTIONS 4 and 5.
                           It is COMPULSORY to answer ONLY ONE of the two questions
                           in this section.

 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 of each question.

 6.        Do 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 a compass,
           where necessary.

 11.       Round off your FINAL numerical answers to TWO decimal places, where
           applicable.

 12.       Do NOT write outside of the margins in the ANSWER BOOK.

 13.       Write neatly and legibly.

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Marine Sciences/P2                             3                              DBE/November 2025
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 SECTION A     2025

 QUESTION 1

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

           1.1.1      Animals found in the lower eulittoral zone are not well adapted
                      to …

                      A   predation.
                      B   wave action.
                      C   desiccation.
                      D   turbulence.

           1.1.2      The image below shows a species of cetacean that is found along
                      the coast of South Africa.

                                               [Source: https://cetacea.fandom.com]

                      Which ONE of the following options gives the CORRECT
                      common name for the cetacean?

                      A    Humpback Whale
                      B    Bottlenose Dolphin
                      C    Bryde's Whale
                      D    Humpback Dolphin

           1.1.3      Which ONE gives a CORRECT key principle of The International
                      Ecotourism Society (TIES)?

                      A   Allowing tourists to interact with wild animals
                      B   Avoiding tourism activities in natural areas
                      C   Allowing tourists to experience local traditions
                      D   Prioritising the environment over the community

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           1.1.4     Which option will exclude an area from being a community-managed
                     local marine reserve?

                     A   Presence of rare species
                     B   Supports overexploited species
                     C   Area has a large economic development
                     D   Area is aesthetically appealing

           1.1.5     The image below shows a Mole Crab (Emerita austroafricana) found
                     along a sandy beach.

                                [Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons]

                     Which statement regarding the Mole Crab is INCORRECT?

                     The Mole Crab …

                     A   emerges to be rolled around by the rising tide.
                     B   remains in the turbulent zone to feed.
                     C   returns to the low-tide mark with the tide.
                     D   migrates in the sand column to filter feed.

           1.1.6     Which ONE of the following comparisons is INCORRECT with
                     regard to reproduction in amphibians and reptiles?

                                AMPHIBIANS                             REPTILES
                     A      Undergo metamorphosis              Born identical to the parents
                     B       Soft, permeable shell              Leathery, permeable shell
                     C        External fertilisation               Internal fertilisation
                     D        Eggs require water                Eggs do not require water

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           1.1.7     The structures below are found in echinoderms:

                     (i)       Papulae
                     (ii)      Pyloric caecae
                     (iii)     Water vascular system
                     (iv)      Pedicellariae
                     (v)       Coelomocytes

                     Which combination contains only structures that deal with BOTH
                     circulation and excretion in echinoderms?

                     A       (v), (iv) and (i)
                     B       (iii), (ii) and (v)
                     C       (ii), (i) and (iv)
                     D       (i), (iii) and (v)

           1.1.8     The high productivity found in kelp forest ecosystems is a result
                     of …

                     A       shedding of kelp fronds.
                     B       constant sunlight exposure.
                     C       lack of predators.
                     D       high salinity levels.

           1.1.9     The following statements relate to sea stars:

                     (i)       Digestive enzymes partially digest the food source.
                     (ii)      The stomach is everted outside of the sea star's mouth.
                     (iii)     Nutrients are drawn into the sea star's body.
                     (iv)      The lower part of the stomach is on the food source.

                     Which combination CORRECTLY describes the order of feeding and
                     digestion in sea stars?

                     A       (ii), (iii), (iv) and (i)
                     B       (iv), (i), (ii) and (iii)
                     C       (ii), (iv), (i) and (iii)
                     D       (iv), (iii), (i) and (ii)

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           1.1.10    The image below shows a hatchling of a vertebrate.

                                           [Source: https://i.pinimg.com/564x/6c/26/f1/]

                     The main role that the temperature of the sand plays in the
                     development of the hatchling of the vertebrate above is that it …

                     A   determines the size of the hatchlings.
                     B   affects the sex of the hatchlings.
                     C   indicates the number of eggs that will hatch.
                     D   speeds up their ability to swim.                                  (10 x 2)   (20)

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Marine Sciences/P2                           7                            DBE/November 2025
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 1.2       Give the correct scientific term/phrase for each of the following descriptions.
           Write only the term/phrase next to the question numbers (1.2.1 to 1.2.10) in the
           ANSWER BOOK.

           1.2.1     High-pitched sounds emitted by bats and cetaceans to detect
                     objects in dark or poor visual environments

           1.2.2     A notochord divided into flexible segments of cartilage or bone

           1.2.3     The thin strips fanning out from the gill arches of fish to provide a
                     broad gaseous exchange surface

           1.2.4     Benefits to a habitat provided by nature and healthy ecosystems,
                     such as provision of nutrients and good water quality

           1.2.5     A process in many diving animals, where the blood supply to
                     non-critical organs and tissues is restricted while they are diving,
                     enabling all available oxygen to go to the brain and muscles
                     responsible for swimming

           1.2.6     The region just below the spring low-tide mark

           1.2.7     Structure found in marine birds that produce oil for waterproofing the
                     feathers

           1.2.8     Experiences offered to tourists centred on wild or natural
                     environments

           1.2.9     Feathery branches found in sea cucumbers extending into the
                     coelom from the rectum that draw in sea water to aid gaseous
                     exchange

           1.2.10    A bony plate covering the gill chamber of a fish             (10 x 1)       (10)

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Marine Sciences/P2                          8                          DBE/November 2025
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 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 1.3.5) in
           the ANSWER BOOK.

                        COLUMN I                                COLUMN II
           1.3.1     Ecotourism business plan        A:   building infrastructure
                                                     B:   upskilling communities
           1.3.2     Star-shaped inhalant siphon     A:   ascidian
                                                     B:   White Mussel
           1.3.3     IUCN category of Robben         A:   habitat management area
                     Island                          B:   protected landscape
           1.3.4     Middle shore                    A:   Ghost Crab
                                                     B:   sand hopper
           1.3.5     Toxic to most predators         A:   Chelonia mydas
                                                     B:   Eretmochelys imbricate
                                                                                  (5 x 2)      (10)

                                                                   TOTAL SECTION A:            40

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Marine Sciences/P2                              9                                 DBE/November 2025
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 SECTION B

 QUESTION 2

 2.1       Study the investigation below and answer the questions that follow.

           African Penguins (Spheniscus demersus) are critically endangered seabirds
           that depend on small pelagic fish such as sardines and anchovies for survival.
           Industrial purse-seine fishing also targets the same fish species, creating
           competition between penguins and commercial fisheries. The penguins forage
           on prey up to a depth of 40 m. This is the same depth at which purse-seine
           nets are used to catch the small pelagic fish.

           To investigate the potential benefits of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) for
           penguin conservation, researchers studied two African Penguin colonies in
           Nelson Mandela Bay: St Croix Island and Bird Island, located 50 km apart. Both
           areas around the colonies were open to purse-seine fishing activities in 2008.
           As part of a larger initiative, from 2009 to 2010, a 20 km radius no-take zone
           was established around St Croix Island, while Bird Island remained open to
           fishing throughout 2009 and 2010.

           The scientists used the following method:

           •   Penguins taking care of chicks were tagged with GPS dive sensors.
           •   The tags recorded the average dive depth (in metres) per feeding trip.
           •   The hours spent at sea, per feeding trip, were recorded.
           •   The average dive depth at sea was used to calculate the energy that the
               penguins used to find food.

           The table below shows the data collected in this study.

                                               AVERAGE DIVE DEPTH (m)
                     YEAR
                                         BIRD ISLAND         ST CROIX ISLAND
                     2008                    25,0                  26,4
                     2009                    26,8                  23,0
                     2010                    28,6                  32,1
                               [Adapted from Pichegru et al. 2012. Journal of Applied Ecology, No. 56]

           2.1.1       Give the independent variable for this investigation.                              (1)

           2.1.2       Draw a bar graph to show the data above.                                           (8)

           2.1.3       Explain how an increase in the average dive depth could impact the
                       survival rate of penguin chicks.                                                   (3)

           2.1.4       Explain TWO ways in which penguins are adapted to reduce the
                       amount of energy used when diving deeper for small pelagic fish.
                                                                                  (2 x 2)                 (4)
                                                                                                          (16)

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Marine Sciences/P2                             10                                 DBE/November 2025
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 2.2       Read the case study below and answer the questions that follow.

                                    NEST RAPID RESPONSE TEAM

           Cape Bream (Pachymetopon blochii) colonies and the Common Brittlestar
           (Ophiothrix fragilis) are found in the kelp forests.

           The male Cape Bream maintains a nest to attract one female. After mating has
           taken place, the males remain at the nest to look after the developing eggs.

           When the water flows away from the kelp forest, the scent of the eggs is carried
           away from the nests. The Brittlestars then detect this scent and swarm the Cape
           Bream nests to eat the eggs.

           To defend the eggs, the Cape Bream males pick up the Brittlestars with their
           mouths and carry them away from the nests. Bream males on the inside of the
           colony assist those on the outskirts of the kelp forest to prevent the Brittlestars
           from getting to their nests.

                                  [Source: https://www.theguardian.com and https://www.youtube.com]

                          Cape Bream                              Common Brittlestar
                     (Pachymetopon blochii)                       (Ophiothrix fragilis)

               [Source: https://www.pngplay.com/image/]      [Source: https://www.marlin.ac.uk/species]

           2.2.1        Discuss why Cape Breams build their nests in kelp forests.                        (2)

           2.2.2        State the relationship taking place between the Common Brittlestar
                        and the Cape Bream eggs.                                                          (1)

           2.2.3        (a)    Name the reproductive strategy found in the Cape Bream.                    (1)

                        (b)    Evaluate whether the reproductive strategy named in
                               QUESTION 2.2.3(a) is advantageous to the Cape Bream.                       (2)

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Marine Sciences/P2                          11                               DBE/November 2025
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           2.2.4     (a)     Discuss how the Common Brittlestars are able to detect the
                             scent of the Cape Bream eggs.                                            (3)

                     (b)     Describe how the Common Brittlestars would move itself
                             forward towards the Cape Bream nests.                                    (2)

                     (c)     In your opinion, would an increase in wave activity along the
                             West Coast of South Africa negatively or positively affect the
                             Common Brittlestar's ability to sense Cape Bream eggs?
                             Motivate your answer.                                                    (2)
                                                                                                      (13)

 2.3       Study the text and the image below regarding the African Black Oystercatcher
           and answer the questions that follow.

                                 OYSTERCATCHER FINE DINING

           The near-threatened African Black Oystercatcher (Haematopus moquini)
           shown below, is native to the rocky shores of Southern Africa. The African Black
           Oystercatcher has a diet predominantly consisting of molluscs, including black
           mussels.

                                                      [Adapted from https://www.tandfonline.com]
                              AFRICAN BLACK OYSTERCATCHER
                                   (Haematopus moquini)

                                                                       [Source: https://thebdi.org]

           2.3.1     Give the name of the rocky shore zone in which the African Black
                     Oystercatcher is found when feeding on black mussels.                            (1)

           2.3.2     Discuss ONE advantage of predation on the populations of prey
                     species living in rocky shore ecosystems.              (1 x 2)                   (2)

           2.3.3     Describe ONE biotic factor that black mussels have to deal with,
                     OTHER than predation.                                    (1 x 2)                 (2)

           2.3.4     Discuss the impact that the increased poaching of black mussels
                     would have on Black Oystercatcher numbers.                                       (2)
                                                                                                      (7)
                                                                                                      [36]
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Marine Sciences/P2                           12                               DBE/November 2025
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 QUESTION 3

 3.1       Read the infographic about the Knysna Estuary below and the data in the table.
           Answer the questions that follow.

                                        KNYSNA ESTUARY

           The Knysna Estuary is located in the Western Cape on the southern coast of
           South Africa. The estuary is a popular tourist destination, as a variety of unique
           recreational experiences are offered. These commercial activities make use of
           different types of vessels. These vessels could potentially pose a threat to the
           ecological state of this estuarine environment. Therefore, permits are applied
           for annually.

           The mudflats in the Knysna Estuary are mainly a habitat for burrowing
           invertebrates, such as the Mud Prawn (Upogebia africana), Blood Worm
           (Arenicola loveni) and mollusc species that are used as bait by recreational and
           subsistence fishers. This estuary is currently managed by South African
           National Parks (SANParks).

                               [Adapted from https://www.sanparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01]
              Number of annual permits issued for vessels during the permitting
                     period from 2018 to 2019 for the Knysna Estuary

                 TYPE OF VESSEL              ANNUAL NUMBER OF PERMITS ISSUED
            Inflatable canoe                              210
            Speedboat                                     687
            Rowing boat                                    51
            Houseboat                                      12
            Kayak                                         176
            Jet ski                                         4

           Inflatable canoes, rowing boats and kayaks are powered by people using
           oars/paddles.

           Speedboats, houseboats and jet skis are powered by engines.

                               [Adapted from https://www.sanparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01]

           3.1.1      Explain ONE potential impact that speedboats might have on the
                      animals living in the Knysna Estuary.                                           (3)

           3.1.2      Compare the environmental impact of the rowing boat AND the jet
                      ski. Suggest a measure that SANParks could implement to reduce
                      this environmental impact for the Knysna Estuary.                               (3)

           3.1.3      Study the data in the table. Do you think that the issuing of permits
                      is enough to reduce the effects of overtourism? Justify your answer.            (2)

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Marine Sciences/P2                          13                               DBE/November 2025
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           Study the map of the Knysna Estuary, where X indicates the location of Blood
           Worms in the estuary.

                                  MAP OF KNYSNA ESTUARY

           The X indicates the location of Blood Worms in the estuary.

                                                             South Africa

                                         Finer
                                       sediment

                                      X

                                    Knysna
                                    Estuary
                                                     X

                                                          Knysna
                                                          Heads
                              Indian Ocean

                              [Adapted from https://www.sanparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01]

           3.1.4     The Knysna area has experienced increased rainfall over a short
                     period of time. This rainfall caused the finer sediment along the
                     riverbanks to wash into the Knysna Estuary. This phenomenon
                     resulted in the deposition of this finer sediment at the locations
                     labelled X.

                     (a)    Explain how the influx of this finer sediment will affect the
                            fishing industry.                                                        (3)

                     (b)    Draw an annotated diagram showing a Blood Worm in a
                            burrow. Use arrows to indicate the direction of water flow.              (4)
                                                                                                     (15)

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Marine Sciences/P2                             14                               DBE/November 2025
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 3.2       Read the extract on seal whiskers below and answer the questions that follow.

                                     THE WHISKERS OF A SEAL

           As animals move in water, swirls are created in the water. The seal's whiskers
           are designed to vibrate up and down, over and under these swirls. By sensing
           these swirls with their whiskers, seals can precisely identify the size, speed and
           direction of other swimming animals. They can then follow their downstream
           trail, even after the animals have passed.

                            [Adapted from https://www.whoi.edu/oceanus and https://www.freepik.com]

           3.2.1      Describe how the position of the seal's whiskers is suitable for its
                      function.                                                                         (2)

           3.2.2      Explain how the ability of seals to sense other swimming animals is
                      beneficial for the seal.                                                          (2)

           3.2.3      Engineers are closely examining the design of a seal's whiskers in
                      an effort to design underwater sensors.

                      (a)   Discuss how an underwater sensor that is inspired by the
                            design of a seal's whiskers can benefit a marine rescue
                            operation.                                                                  (2)

                      (b)   Describe the deeper guiding principle that engineers would
                            have to consider when designing the underwater sensors in
                            order to withstand ocean conditions.                                        (2)

                      (c)   Elaborate on TWO possible challenges to the designing and
                            developing of underwater sensors inspired by the whiskers of
                            seals.                                               (2 x 2)                (4)

                      (d)   In your opinion, could ocean conservation initiatives benefit
                            from the development of more advanced sensory technologies
                            inspired by the whiskers of seals? Motivate you answer.                     (2)
                                                                                                        (14)

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 3.3       Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow.

                     NAMAQUA NATIONAL PARK MARINE PROTECTED AREA
           The Namaqua National Park Marine Protected Area (MPA) is the only MPA
           along the Northern Cape coastline. This area provides protection for habitats of
           fish species that are valuable in fisheries. The area is a nursery for the Cape
           Hake (Merluccius capensis) and supports the recovery of the West Coast Rock
           Lobster (Jasus lalandii). Furthermore, this MPA serves as a feeding ground and
           breeding area for many dolphin species, such as the endemic Heaviside
           Dolphin (Cephalorhynchus heavisidii).
                                                             [Adapted from https://www.sanparks.org]
                             MAP OF NAMAQUA NATIONAL PARK MPA

                   Namaqua National       Northern
                         Park MPA          Cape

              [Adapted from https://southafricanmap360.com/img/1200/blank-map-of-south%20africa.jpg]

           3.3.1       Give ONE example of a potential stakeholder who could have been
                       involved in the establishment of the MPA AND give a reason why
                       this stakeholder could have been involved.                (1 x 2)                (2)

           3.3.2       State TWO benefits of this area being a National Park.                           (2)

           3.3.3       Discuss how the protection of the Cape Hake nursery can
                       economically benefit the local community around this MPA.                        (4)

           3.3.4       You have been tasked to monitor the health of the Heaviside Dolphin
                       population for this MPA.

                       (a)     Using your knowledge of marine mammals, identify ONE
                               variable for which data will be collected.                               (1)

                       (b)     How will you collect the data for the variable that you
                               identified in QUESTION 3.3.4(a)?                                         (1)
                                                                                                        (10)
                                                                                                        [39]

                                                                           TOTAL SECTION B:             75

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 SECTION C
 Answer any ONE question in this section.
 Clearly indicate the QUESTION NUMBER of the chosen question.
 NOTE:       Your answer must be in the form of an essay. NO marks will be awarded for
             answers in the form of a table, flow chart or diagram.
 QUESTION 4
 Read the text on the anglerfish and the Goblin Shark below.
 Submersibles make travel to deeper, previously unexplored areas of the ocean more
 accessible for both scientists and tourists who can afford such journeys. Using these
 submersibles and new technology, scientists are able to study the interaction among
 unique deep-sea animals.
 Anglerfish are adapted to live in cold, deep ocean waters where food is difficult to find.
 Female anglerfish have lures that produce light and are dangled in front of their mouths
 to attract prey. They also have large mouths and flexible bodies which enable them to
 swallow prey that can be up to twice their size.
 Goblin Sharks (Mitsukurina owstoni) feed on anglerfish. The Goblin Shark is adapted to
 find and catch prey at great depths. Goblin Sharks swim slowly or drift along in a current
 until they sense their prey with their long, flat rostrums. The Goblin Sharks will then
 extend their jaws forward to capture their prey.
     [Adapted from https://www.afar.com, https://www.nationalgeographic.com and https://creatures-of-the-
                                                                                     world.fandom.com]
                     Anglerfish                          Goblin Shark (Mitsukurina owstoni)

               [Source: https://customstoday.media/]                        [Source: https://ocean.si.edu]

 In an essay, write how both the Goblin Shark and the anglerfish have adapted to hunt
 and thrive in their deep-sea habitat. Ensure that you discuss EACH of the bullet points
 below.
 •    Discuss how fish species, such as the anglerfish, are able to produce their own light.
 •    Describe how the adaptation of Goblin Sharks' long, flat rostrums help them to find
      their prey in the dark.
 •    Discuss the ventilation mechanisms used by some fish species that allow them to
      remain in one place and wait for their prey AND why many shark species must
      continuously swim to stay alive.
 •    Explain how Goblin Sharks will thermoregulate in colder, deeper waters.
 •    Submersibles are more readily available for personal use to people who can afford
      them. In your opinion, should exploration of the deep ocean be open to all members
      of the public? Motivate your answer.
                                                                                   Content:                   (25)
                                                                                Synthesis:                    (10)
                                                                                                              [35]
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 QUESTION 5
 Read the text below on the Blobfish and hagfish.

 In 2013, the Ugly Animal Preservation Society (UAPS) held a competition to select the
 'ugliest' animal in the world. The aim was to increase awareness of the animals in need
 of conservation that are not generally considered as 'cute' as others, such as otters or
 dolphins. In this competition, the Blobfish (Psychrolutes microporos) was awarded the
 title of the 'ugliest' animal, and the hagfish (Eptatretus stoutii) was a strong contender
 for the prize. Both these animals live in cold, deep waters where there is little or no light
 and high pressure. Blobfish and hagfish are threatened by fishing and require
 conservation efforts. In 2025, the Blobfish was also named as New Zealand's fish of the
 year.
 Blobfish are different to 'normal' fish. Blobfish do not have swim bladders, have fewer
 and weaker bones, soft tissue filled with water and fat, and they have loose skins
 covering their flexible, scaleless bodies. These characteristics make Blobfish perfectly
 adapted for the pressures of the deep ocean, but their body structure will not keep their
 bodies in shape at the surface (see Image 1).
 Hagfish appear similar to eels (see Image 2), but have skeletons made from cartilage,
 with no scales or jaws. Although hagfish are mainly scavengers, they are also
 opportunistic feeders and will eat dying animals if the opportunity presents itself.
         [Adapted from https://theecologist.org, https://norwegianscitechnews.com, https://www.bbc.com,
                              https://www.smithsonianmag.com and https://www.aquaticcommunity.com]
                  IMAGE 1: BLOBFISH                                                IMAGE 2: HAGFISH
               (Psychrolutes microporos)                                            (Eptatretus stoutii)
      In the deep ocean           At the surface

                             [Source:                               [Source:
       https://westcoastescape.co.za]   https://blueridgechristiannews.com]    [Source: https://www.joelsartore.com]

 In an essay, explain how both the Blobfish and the hagfish are adapted to their
 environment. Ensure that you discuss EACH of the bullet points below.
 •   Discuss the advantages of the Blobfish having bones and the hagfish having a
     cartilaginous skeleton AND how EACH is used for movement.
 •   Why does the Blobfish have fewer and weaker bones AND why does it not have a
     swim bladder?
 •   How are hagfish adapted to find and eat food in the dark?
 •   How is slime beneficial for hagfish, but can be a nuisance for fishers?
 •   In your opinion, should we have competitions for 'ugliest animals' to create
     awareness of these animals? Motivate your answer.
                                                                              Content:                                 (25)
                                                                             Synthesis:                                (10)
                                                                                                                       [35]
                                                                                       TOTAL SECTION C:                35
                                                                                          GRAND TOTAL:                 150
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