# Life Sciences Grade 10 September Test 2023 Paper & Memo > Grade 10 Life Sciences question paper and memo from the September Test 2023, 15 pages. Read online or get the free PDF download. - Page: https://www.hlayiso.com/library/kzn-life-sciences-grade-10-september-2023-qp-and-memo/b25db9cf-aca8-463f-9cdd-06542b7c9657 - Updated: 2026-09-27 - Subject: Life Sciences - Grade: Grade 10 - Document type: Question paper and memo - Year: 2023 - Exam period: September Test - Curriculum: CAPS - Pages: 15 Breadcrumbs: [Home](https://www.hlayiso.com/) › [Library](https://www.hlayiso.com/library) › [Grade 10](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/grade-10) › [Life Sciences](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/grade-10/life-sciences) › [Life Sciences Grade 10 September Test 2023 Paper & Memo](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/kzn-life-sciences-grade-10-september-2023-qp-and-memo/b25db9cf-aca8-463f-9cdd-06542b7c9657) ## About this document Life Sciences · Grade 10 · September Test · 2023. Question paper and memorandum, 15 pages. Read online or download the PDF. Read it free online on the page above; download the PDF from there. ## Document text Text extracted from the PDF. Layout, diagrams and tables may not survive extraction. ### Page 1 Downloaded from hlayiso.com KWAZULU-NATAL PROVINCE EDUCATION REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE I# �---------------------� - - -----------..- � " II II II II II II II II II I/ ,��------------------ --• •1••--------1'- � MARKS: 50 TIME: 1 Hour Co ri ht Reserved Please Turn Over ### Page 2 Downloaded from hlayiso.com September 2023 Common Test INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION Read the following instructions carefully before answering the questions. 1. the questions. 2. Write he 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 may use a non-programmable calculator, protractor and a compass. 11. Write neatly and legibly. Copyright Reserved Please Turn Over ### Page 3 Downloaded from hlayiso.com September 2023 Common Test SECTION A QUESTION 1 1.1 Various op� are provided as possible answers to the following questions. Choose th pgrrect answer and write only the letter (A toD) next to the question bm er (1.1.1 to 1.1.4) in your ANSWER BOOK, for example 1.1.4D. 1 .1.1 Decomposers ... A are secondary consumers B produce their own organic food C do not form part of food chains D feed on dead organic matter 1.1.2 Carolus Linnaeus classified living organisms. Which of the following sequences is correct according to Linnaeus classification system2 A Kingdom_, dass, phyla, order, family, genus, species B Phyla, cla s, kingdom, family, genus, species, order C Kingdom, phyla, class, order, family, genus, species D Kingdo , phyla, class, order, genus, family. species 1.1.3 The scientific name for an African Lion is Panthera Jeo. According to the binomial system the word/term Panthera refers to the ... A class B species C genus D family 1.1.4 Which ONE of the following is INCORRECT about the nitrogen cycle? A Ammonia is changed into nitrates B Lightning converts nitrogen into nitrates C Nitrogen-fixing bacteria change nitrates into nitrite D Nitrogen -fixing bacteria change nitrites into nitrat (2 X 4) (8) Copyright Reserved Please Turn Over ### Page 4 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Life Scim\Sivnioaded from Stanmagephysies.com September 2023 Common Test 1.2 Give the correct biological term for each of the following descriptions. Write only the term next to the question number (1.2.1 to 1.2.4) in your ANSWER BOOK. 1.2.1. The part of the earth and its atmosphere where living organisms are found= 1.2.2 The ion that is classified by species that live in it, has certain soil type and type of vegetation 1.2.3 Complete disappearance of a species from Earth 1.2.4 The study of fossils (1x4) (4) 1.3 Indicate whether each of the statements in COLUMN | apply to A ONLY, B ONLY, BOTH A AND B or NONE of the items in COLUMN II. Write A only, B only, both A and B, or none next to the question number (1.3.1 to 1.3.2) in the ANSWER BOOK. COLUMN | COLUMN II 1.3.1 | Factors influencing the History of life | A: Levels of Oxygen on Earth B: Climate change 1.3.2 | Organism with no true nucleus A: Eukaryotes B: Prokaryotes (2x2) (4) 1.4 The diagram below shows different types of fossils. 1.4.1. Name the type of rock where fossils are found. a) (1) 1.4.2 Identify the fossil that is a cast (imprint that was left on : cks) (1) between A and B. pa 1.4.3. Name TWO methods of dating fossils. — (2) (4) TOTAL QUESTION 1: [20] TOTAL SECTION A: [20] Copyright Reserved Please Turn Over ### Page 5 “eS°T8ivnloaded from Stanmaeephysies.com SECTION B QUESTION 2 Downloaded from hlayiso.com 2.1. The table below shows a geological time scale September 2023 Common Test PERIOD MYA Conésole Quaternary 2 Tertiary 65 Cretaceous 140-65 Mesozoic Jurassic 190-140 Triassic 250-190 Permian 280-250 Carl srous: 345-280 Palacozole oa 400-345 Silurianee? 435-400 Ordaviciaa 515-435 Cambrian 570-515 2.1.1. Scientists have discovered fossils of early humans in many locations in Africa. State which: (a) Era had the shortest duration? (b) Period started 65 MYA? 2.1.2 About 543 MYA an event known as the ‘Cambrian Explosion’ occurred. Explain what happened during this event? 2.1.3. Scientists estimated that fossil Megaconus (nicknamed Jurassic squirrel) lived exactly in the middle of the Jurassic period > Calculate how many million years ago that was. Show calculations. Copyright Reserved allyour Please Turn Over (1) (1) (2) (2) (6) ### Page 6 “© S“BSwnloaded from Stanmagephysies.com 2.2 Grade 10 learners did an investigation to determine the soil pH, humus content and Downloaded from hlayiso.com September 2023 Common Test permeability to water of three different soil samples The following procedure was followed: ¢ Three soihsamples were taken from the garden oil samples were analysed according to the level of pH using the litmGsipaper, humus content and permeability to water e The reSults were collected and recorded The table below show the results of the investigation. 224 2.22 2.2.3 2.2.4 2.2.5 PH level in % of Humus | Permeability to water 100 g of soil content in (ml of water passing sample 100 g of soil | through 100 g of soil sample per minute in %) Sample A 5.8 5 75 Sample B 9 10 5 Sample C 7.6 25 20 Identify TWO factors that were being investigated in the soil samples. Identify the soil Sample (A, B or C) that will have low water holding capacity. Give a reason for your answer in QUESTION 2.2.2. Explain the disadvantage of soil Sample A having low humus content. State TWO ways in which the reliability of the result could be increased. Copyright Reserved TOTAL QUESTION 2: (2) (1) (2) (2) (2) (9) [15] Please Turn Over ### Page 7 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Life Scissivnloaded from Stanmagephysigs.com September 2023 Common Test QUESTION 3 3.1. Read the extract below These negative impacts can affect human behaviour and can prompt mass migrations or battles over clean water. 3.1.1. State TWO ways in which the humans impact the environment, as stated in the above extract. (2) 3.1.2 Explain the impact of overpopulation on deforestation. (3) 3.1.3. Suggest ONE way that the government can do to help reduce the air pollution in factories and industries. (1) (6) Copyright Reserved Please Turn Over ### Page 8 3.2 The diagram below represents a food web. Downloaded from hlayiso.com “te SSivnloaded from Stanmagephysies.com September 2023 Common Test Springbok Lion Grass Hyena Zebra 3.2.1 Use the food web above to identify: (a) (b) Herbivore Secondary consumer (1) (1) 3.2.2 State what would happen to the population of zebra if the hyena dies? (1) 3.2.3. Draw a food pyramid to show the three trophic levels amongst the grass, lion and springbok. 3.3. Describe oxygen cycle. Copyright Reserved (3) (6) (3) TOTAL QUESTION 3: [15] TOTALSECTION B: [30] GRAND TOTAL: [50] ### Page 9 Downloaded from hlayiso.com RANG! KWAZULU-NATAL PROVINCE aN, EDUCATION REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE GRADE 10 MARKS:50 N.B This marking guideline consist of 7 pages. ### Page 10 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Downloaded from Stanmorephysics.com Life Sciences Gr 10 - Marking Guideline September 2023 Common Test PRINCIPLES RELATED TO MARKING LIFE SCIENCES 10 4: 2 13. 14. If more information than marks allocated is given Stop marking when maximum marks is reached and put a wavy line and ‘max’ in the-fight-hand margin. If, for example, three reasons are required and five are given Mark the first three irrespective of whether all or some are correct/incorrect. If whole process is given when only a part of it is required Read all and credit the relevant part. If comparisons are asked for but descriptions are given Accept if the differences/similarities are clear. If tabulation is required but paragraphs are given Candidates will lose marks for not tabulating. If diagrams are given with annotations when descriptions are required Candidates will lose marks. If flow charts are given instead of descriptions Candidates will lose marks. If sequence is muddled and links do not make sense Where sequence and links are correct, credit. Where sequence and links are incorrect, do not credit. If sequence and links become correct again, resume credit. Non-recognised abbreviations Accept if first defined in answer. If not defined, do not credit the unrecognised abbreviation but credit the rest of the answer if correct. Wrong numbering If answer fits into the correct sequence of questions but the wrong number is given,it is acceptable. If language used changes the intended meaning Do not accept. Spelling errors oo If recognisable, accept the answer, provided it does not mean something else in Life Sciences or if it is out of context. If common names are given in terminology Accept, provided it was accepted at the national memo discussion meeting. If only the letter is asked for but only the name is given (and vice versa) ### Page 11 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Downloaded from Stanmorephysics.com Life Sciences Gr 10 - Marking Guideline September 2023 Common Test 15. 16. 4%. 18. If units are not given in measurements Candidates will lose marks. Memorandum will allocate marks for units separately. —_ I ‘0 the sense of an answer, which may be stated in a different way: Caption All illustrations (diagrams, graphs, tables, etc.) must have a caption. Code-switching of official languages (terms and concepts) A single word or two that appear(s) in any official language other than the learners' assessment language used to the greatest extent in his/her answers should be credited if it is correct. A marker that is proficient in the relevant official language should be consulted. This is applicable to all official languages. ### Page 12 Downloaded from Stanmorephysics.com Life Sciences Downloaded from hlayiso.com Gr 10 — Marking Guideline SECTION A = QUESTION’ a7 1.1 12 1.3 1.4 esas Eset Sos. Bay. RwNo ek aaieer Bt NNNN Rwwo NoO— 1.4.1 1.4.2 1.4.3 4201 or —— Cvv Cvv BiosphereY BiomeY Extinction’ Palaeontology” Both A and BYv B onlyvY Sedimentary rocksY AY - Radiometric’ - Relative dating (Mark the first TWO only) September 2023 Common Test (4X2) (8) (4x1) (4) (2x2) (4) (1) (1) (2) (4) TOTAL QUESTION 1 (20) TOTAL SECTION A [20] ### Page 13 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Downloaded from Stanmorephysics.com Life Sciences Gr 10 — Marking Guideline September 2023 Common Test SECTION B QUESTION 2 2.1 2.1.1 (a) GaH8zoic V (1) (b) Téttia 2.1.2 - There’was a rapid increase in the number of species “ - that increased diversity of life forms on earth (2) 2.1.3 190+140vV = 165 MYAY (2) 2 (Accept any correct method of calculation with the same answer ) (6) 2.2 2.2.1 - Soil pHY - humus contentv - permeability to watery (Mark the first TWO only) (2) 2.2.2 Av (1) 2.2.3. - Soil sample A is sandy soil ¥ - have large soil particles~ - that allow water to pass easilyY Any (2) 2.2.4 - The soil is I ial - and cann rops successfullyY (2) 2.2.5 - Increase san - Repeat the everal timesv - Calculate the-averai (Mark the first TWO aay (2) (9) TOTAL QUESTION 2 [15] ### Page 14 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Downloaded from Stanmorephysics.com Life Sciences Gr 10 - Marking Guideline September 2023 Common Test QUESTION 3 3.1 3.1.1. - OverpopulationY - Pollati nv - Burning of fossil fuelsY - orestationY (M e first TWO only) (2) ge un iN) ' More space is needed to build housesY for human settlements” And this results in urbanisationY And clearing the landv (removing trees) leading to fewer trees left v Any (3) 3.1.3 - Issue penalties v to those producing pollutants above the limit - Subsidise alternativesY - Regulations to ban certain pollutants and pollution permits” (Mark the first ONE only) (1) (6) 3.2 3.2.1 (a)- Zebrav - springbokv Any (1) (b) - Hyenav - lion ¥ Any (1) 3.2.2 Population size will increase ¥ (1) 3.2.3 Food/ Energy pyramid Marking Rubric: Feature Mark allocation Correct type of 1 diagram (T) Caption (C) 1 Correct order of 1 trophic levels (O) (3) (6) ### Page 15 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Downloaded from Stanmorephysics.com Life Sciences Gr 10 - Marking Guideline September 2023 Common Test 3.3 During respiration, oxygen is taken in by living organism v And carbon dioxide gas is given into the atmosphereY Plant use carbon dioxide gas for photosynthesisY - Plants release oxygen as a by-product” - Andis Do for respiration by other organisms ¥ Any (3) TOTAL QUESTION 3 [15] peal TOTAL SECTION B [30] GRAND TOTAL [50] ## Related documents - [Life Sciences Grade 10 March 2023 QP and Memo](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/life-sciences-grade-10-march-2023-qp-and-memo/7a9671b6-d207-4e9f-826e-6e16b43c79b9) — Life Sciences · QP + Memo · 2023 - [KZN Life Sciences Grade 10 September 2023 QP and Memo](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/kzn-life-sciences-grade-10-september-2023-qp-and-memo/7e84a552-c860-4bf6-aef4-c129ca0baf07) — Life Sciences · QP + Memo · 2023 - [LFSC-Sept-QP & Memo-2019-Gr10](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/lfsc-sept-qp-memo-2019-gr10/e26a9bc2-044a-4f68-b6ba-e8e52d44c42d) — Life Sciences · QP + Memo · 2019 - [LFSC-Sept-QP & Memo-2018-Gr10](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/lfsc-sept-qp-memo-2018-gr10/001ac2dc-bae3-403b-92a2-e092e624a77a) — Life Sciences · QP + Memo · 2018 - 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