# Life Sciences Grade 12 P1 Eastern Cape Mock 2012 QP (Eng)

> Grade 12 Life Sciences Paper 1 question paper from the Eastern Cape Mock Exam 2012 (English), 16 pages. Read online or download the free PDF.

- Page: https://www.hlayiso.com/library/lfsc-p1-s11-qp-eng/761f1083-850a-4a68-83f0-9db30902716a
- Updated: 2026-09-27
- Subject: Life Sciences
- Grade: Grade 12
- Document type: Question paper
- Year: 2012
- Exam period: Eastern Cape Mock Exam
- Paper: 1
- Curriculum: CAPS
- Pages: 16

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## About this document

Life Sciences · Grade 12 · Eastern Cape Mock Exam · 2012. Question paper, 16 pages. Read online or download the PDF.

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                    Province of the
                    EASTERN CAPE
                    EDUCATION

                             NATIONAL
                        SENIOR CERTIFICATE

                              GRADE 12

                        SEPTEMBER 2012

                        LIFE SCIENCES P1

MARKS:   150

TIME:    2½ hours

                                  *LFSCE1*

                    This question paper consists of 16 pages.

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2                                 LIFE SCIENCES P1                          (SEPTEMBER 2012)

INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION

Read the following instructions carefully before answering the questions.

1.    Answer ALL the questions.

2.    Write ALL the answers on your ANSWER BOOK.

3.    Number the answers correctly according to the numbering system used in this
      question paper.

4.    Present your answers according to the instructions of each question.

5.    Do ALL drawings in pencil and label them in blue or black ink.

6.    Draw diagrams or flow charts only when asked to do so.

7.    The diagrams in this question paper are NOT necessarily drawn to scale.

8.    Do NOT use graph paper.

9.    You may use a non-programmable calculator, protractor and compass.

10.   Write neatly and legibly.

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(SEPTEMBER 2012)                    LIFE SCIENCES P1                                    3

 SECTION A

 QUESTION 1

 1.1    Various options are provided as possible answers to the following
        questions. Choose the correct answer and write only the letter (A – D)
        next to the question number (1.1.1 – 1.1.9) in the ANSWER BOOK, for
        example 1.1.11 D.

        1.1.1      The following pedigree diagram shows that …

                   A    a girl only inherits haemophilia when she inherits both
                        recessive genes for the condition.
                   B    girls will never inherit the condition.
                   C    all boys always inherit the condition.
                   D    girls can never be carriers of this condition.            (2)

        1.1.2      The greatest number of offspring in most populations is
                   produced by organisms that are …

                   A    always the strongest.
                   B    usually the best adapted.
                   C    usually the largest in size.
                   D    the most intelligent.                                     (2)

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4                                LIFE SCIENCES P1                        (SEPTEMBER 2012)

    1.1.3   Finches on the Galapogas islands are different but closely
            related and display similar physical/structural characteristics.
            This supports the conclusion that these birds …

            A     have the ability to interbreed randomly.
            B     have descended from a common ancestor.
            C     occupy the same niche on the same island.
            D     have acquired traits through use or disuse.                      (2)

    1.1.4   The diagram below shows the evolutionary pathways of 9
            different species.

                        D         E       G         H          I

                             C                F

                                      B

                                              A

            Which TWO organisms are most closely related?

            A     D and E
            B     D and G
            C     G and I
            D     I and E                                                          (2)

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(SEPTEMBER 2012)                    LIFE SCIENCES P1                                       5

        1.1.5      The following human karyotype contains …

                   A    46 gonosomes.
                   B    a pair of gonosomes.
                   C    46 autosomes.
                   D    a pair autosomes.                                            (2)

        1.1.6      Which ONE of the following features is incorrect with regard to
                   primates?

                   A    Binocular and stereoscopic vision
                   B    Thumbs that works in the same direction as the fingers
                   C    Hands that have nails instead of claws
                   D    Prolonged caretaking of offspring                            (2)

        1.1.7      Creation theories cannot be accepted as scientific theories
                   because they are …

                   A    based on a belief system rather than on evidence.
                   B    myths and stories used to explain the origins of life.
                   C    propagated from generation to generation by
                        indoctrination.
                   D    not observable, measurable and testable.                     (2)

        1.1.8      The body of the woolly mammoth was preserved for millions of
                   years because it …

                   A    was trapped in tar pits.
                   B    became petrified.
                   C    was frozen in mud and ice.
                   D    was embedded in amber.                                       (2)

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6                                LIFE SCIENCES P1                         (SEPTEMBER 2012)

      1.1.9    In the 19th century, in Manchester city, England, the population
               of black peppered moths increased during industrialisation
               because the black smoke from the factories collected as soot on
               the tree trunks and on the surrounding buildings.

               Which ONE of the following statements is incorrect regarding
               micro-evolution that occurred amongst the moth population?

               A     The white moths were least adapted to survive because
                     they were easily spotted by birds when they sat on the
                     dark back ground.
               B     The black moths were well adapted to survive because
                     they were not easily spotted by the birds when they sat on
                     the black back ground.
               C     Natural selection always favours the least adapted
                     organisms.
               D     Nature always selects the best adapted organism to
                     survive.                                                       (2)

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 – 1.2.6) in the ANSWER BOOK.

      1.2.1    The origin of a new species during evolution                         (1)

      1.2.2    Evolution of a new species due to geographical isolation             (1)

      1.2.3    The species to which all humans belong                               (1)

      1.2.4    Having a pointed face because of projecting jaws and nose            (1)

      1.2.5    The name of a 3,2 million year-old fossil discovered in 1974 by
               Donald Johanson, Yves Coppan and Tim White in Ethiopia               (1)

      1.2.6    A group that includes only primates with human-like features         (1)

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(SEPTEMBER 2012)                     LIFE SCIENCES P1                                          7

 1.3    Indicate whether each of the statements in COLUMN Ι applies to A only,
        B only, both A and B or none of the items in COLUMN ΙΙ. Write A only,
        B only, both A and B, or none next to the question number
        (1.3.1 – 1.3.8) on the ANSWER BOOK.

                               COLUMN I                         COLUMN II
        1.3.1      The process by which               A   Convergent evolution
                   organisms that are not closely
                   related independently acquire      B   Divergent evolution
                   similar characteristics
        1.3.2      All living forms have been         A   Lamarck’s theory
                   created by some Supreme
                                                      B   Darwin’s theory
                   Being
        1.3.3      Diversity of life that exists on   A   Creationist theory
                   earth could only have come
                   about because each one has         B   Intelligent design theory
                   been cleverly designed
        1.3.4      The DNA from the Y-                A   To trace male lineage of
                   chromosomes is used                    our ancestry
                                                      B   To trace female lineage of
                                                          our ancestry
        1.3.5      Sickle-cell anaemia                A   A genetic disease of the
                                                          red blood cells which
                                                          become deformed
                                                      B   Not a sex-linked disorder
        1.3.6      Able to make and use tools         A   Australopithecus
                                                          afarensis
                                                      B   Sahelanthropus
                                                          tchadensis
        1.3.7      Foramen magnum positioned          A   A bipedal animal
                   at the back of the skull           B   A quadruped animal
        1.3.8      Average brain size                 A   Homo habilis
                   1 200   – 1 800                    B   Homo erectus
                                                                                (8x2)   (16)

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8                                 LIFE SCIENCES P1                         (SEPTEMBER 2012)

1.4   The diagram below represents a particular type of speciation that takes
      place in Lake Malawi. A large variety of different species of beautiful and
      brightly colourful cichlid fishes are being discovered annually. Study the
      diagram and answer the following questions.

      1.4.1    What type of speciation is represented in the above diagram?          (1)

      1.4.2    Explain the type of speciation mentioned in QUESTION 1.4.1.           (3)

      1.4.3    Although the newly evolving species of cichlid fishes live in the
               same lake, they are unable to interbreed with other closely
               related species. Supply a reason or mechanism that prevents
               them from interbreeding with other species of cichlid fishes.         (1)

      1.4.4    Mention FIVE examples of the mechanism that you mentioned in
               QUESTION 1.4.3 that prevents evolving species from
               interbreeding.                                                        (5)

                                                            TOTAL SECTION A:          50

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(SEPTEMBER 2012)                    LIFE SCIENCES P1                                       9

 SECTION B

 QUESTION 2

 2.1    Study the newspaper report below and answer the following questions.

                   X-ray shows legs on snake fossil
        ULTRA-SHARP 3-D x-ray imaging of a 95-million-year-old fossil found in
        Lebanon has shed light on the evolution of snakes from limbed lizards.

        French scientists said yesterday the 50 cm fossil of Eupodophis
        desouensi shows a small hind leg attached to the animal’s pelvis.

        It had been buried beneath its body and was only visible thanks to the
        new technique.

        The find adds powerfully to theories that snakes evolved from lizards, but
        needed legs less and less - and eventually lost them entirely - after
        succeeding in habitats where crawling or slithering gave them an
        advantage.

        The new image shows that E. desouensi, at this point in the Cretaceous
        period, was at a pathway stage in the change.

                         [Source: Daily Dispatch Newspaper, 10 February 2011]

        2.1.1      What scientific name was given to the fossil that was excavated
                   in Lebanon?                                                       (1)

        2.1.2      What is the estimated age of the fossil?                          (1)

        2.1.3      What technique was used to determine the age of the fossil?       (1)

        2.1.4      Name the period when the transition from lizards to snakes
                   might have taken place.                                           (1)

        2.1.5      What evidence is put forward to support the evolution of snakes
                   from lizards?                                                     (1)

        2.1.6      What technique is used to obtain this evidence?                   (1)

        2.1.7      Briefly explain Lamarck’s theory of evolution using the above
                   newspaper report.                                                 (3)

        2.1.8      Why was Lamarck’s theory discarded?                               (3)

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10                                 LIFE SCIENCES P1                           (SEPTEMBER 2012)

2.2   Read the article below and answer the following questions.

      Business development
      SA produces more GM crops

      Michael Appel

      28 February 2008

      Since the adoption of "biotech" crops in 1996, the amount of genetically
      modified (GM) maize, soya beans and cotton planted in South Africa, in
      terms of area planted, has increased to 1,8-million hectares.

      "White GM maize totalled 1,04-million hectares, an increase of 48% over
      2006/07, representing a market share of 62%," "Yellow maize increased
      from 528 000 hectares to 567 000 hectares, up 7%." Agri-SA president
      Lourie Bosman said on Wednesday.

      GM crops are engineered to withstand environmental factors such as
      drought. Certain seeds have a dominant trait of herbicide tolerance,
      allowing farmers to make use of herbicides without harming their crops.

      "Agri-SA is positive about genetically modified agricultural crops and is
      enthusiastic about the contribution they can make in the future towards
      increased production," Bosman said.

      The most popular GM trait in South Africa was Bt insect resistant maize,
      with 1,1-million hectares planted, followed by RR herbicide tolerant maize,
      with 373 000 hectares planted. Stacked traits Bt+RR sales commenced in
      2007 and 80 000 hectares have been planted to date.

      Field trials of drought-resistant maize varieties - a trait that has since been
      incorporated into other crops as well - are already under way in South
      Africa, and the technology is expected to be commercially viable by 2011.

                                                     [Adapted and modified from
             http://www.southafrica.info/business/trends/newbusiness/gmmaize-
                                                                   280208.htm]

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(SEPTEMBER 2012)                     LIFE SCIENCES P1                                      11

        2.2.1      According to the data provided in the article, predict the future
                   trend regarding the use of modified crops on South African
                   farms.                                                               (1)

        2.2.2      With reference to the article, mention FOUR beneficial traits that
                   could be incorporated in to crops, to raise the competitive edge
                   of the South African Agricultural sector.                            (4)

        2.2.3      Name THREE genetically modified crops mentioned in the
                   article that are being planted in South Africa.                      (3)

        2.2.4      Give a reason why high priority is given to the development of
                   drought resistant crops in South Africa.                             (2)

        2.2.5      Mention any FOUR objections against the introduction of
                   genetically modified crops.                                          (4)

        2.2.6      If you are a fruit and vegetable distributor, which THREE traits
                   would you like to be incorporated in to agricultural products?       (3)

        2.2.7      What public concern could be addressed by labelling all GM
                   foods in our super markets?                                           (1)
                                                                                        [30]

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12                              LIFE SCIENCES P1                        (SEPTEMBER 2012)

QUESTION 3

3.1   The diagram below shows a genetic cross between two black mice. Study
      the diagram and answer the following questions. Use the symbols B and
      b for the alleles of fur colour.

      3.1.1   Give the genotype of the male and the female parents
              respectively.                                                       (2)

      3.1.2   What percentage of the F1 generation is recessive? Show your
              working.                                                            (2)

      3.1.3   What is the phenotype ratio of the F1 generation?                   (1)

      3.1.4   By using a genetic crossing diagram, show the possible
              genotypes and phenotypes of a cross between the white mouse
              in the F1 generation and the female parent in the P1 generation.    (7)

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(SEPTEMBER 2012)                     LIFE SCIENCES P1                            13

 3.2    The diagram below shows a modern technique to manufacture insulin.
        Study the diagram and answer the following questions.

        3.2.1      Name the technique used in the manufacturing of insulin.    (1)

        3.2.2      Identify the part labelled A.                               (1)

        3.2.3      Supply the names of the enzymes B and C.                    (2)

        3.2.4      What type of cell division takes place at D?                (1)

        3.2.5      Mention any TWO advantages of the above technique.          (2)

        3.2.6      Name another unicellular organism that can be used in the
                   above process.                                              (1)

        3.2.7      Supply ONE reason for the use of the unicellular organism
                   mentioned in QUESTION 3.2.6.                                (1)

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14                                LIFE SCIENCES P1                         (SEPTEMBER 2012)

3.3   The diagram below represents certain stages of a meiotic division in a
      certain plant. Study the diagram and answer the following questions.

      3.3.1    Mention an observable characteristic feature of Metaphase 1.           (1)

      3.3.2    Name the process that takes place in Prophase 1 that leads to
               variation in the off-spring.                                           (1)

      3.3.3    What error occurred in Anaphase1?                                      (1)

      3.3.4    Name the error that you described in QUESTION 3.3.3.                   (1)

      3.3.5    What will the chromosome number in A be?                               (1)

      3.3.6    What is this phenomenon in A known as?                                 (1)

      3.3.7    Mention any TWO advantages of the phenomenon named in
               QUESTION 3.3.6 in plants.                                              (2)

      3.3.8    What is the significance of this process in the evolution of plants?    (1)
                                                                                      [30]

                                                            TOTAL SECTION B:          60

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(SEPTEMBER 2012)                     LIFE SCIENCES P1                                      15

 SECTION C

 QUESTION 4

 4.1    The table below shows the results from an experiment to investigate the
        effect of selective breeding (artificial selection) for the protein content in
        milk of two varieties of milk producing cows.

                                      Percentage of protein content in the milk
                                           COW A                  COW B

               Number of
             generations of
           artificial selection
          (selective breeding)
                                        (Selected for high
                                         protein content)           (Selected for low
                                                                     protein content)
                   Start                        5                           5
                    10                          10                          7
                    20                          12                          8
                    30                          15                          8
                    40                          17                          6
                    50                          20                          4

        4.1.1      Supply a possible hypothesis for the experiment.                      (2)

        4.1.2      Plot TWO line graphs on the same axes to reflect the results of
                   the experiment.                                                       (10)

        4.1.3      What is the increase in percentage of protein content in the milk
                   of COW A from generations 10 to 40?                                   (1)

        4.1.4      What is the difference in the percentage of the protein content in
                   the milk between COW A and B after 40 generations of selective
                   breeding?                                                             (1)

        4.1.5      To what extent did the selective breeding influence the milk-
                   protein content of COW A?                                             (1)

        4.1.6      Which modern scientific technique can be used to increase the
                   number of cows with a high milk protein content in their milk
                   within a short period of time?                                        (1)

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16                                LIFE SCIENCES P1                         (SEPTEMBER 2012)

4.2   The result of a laboratory investigation shows the response of a bacterial
      population to the use of certain antibiotics. Study the diagrammatic
      presentation of the investigation and answer the following question.

           Bacterial
          population

       Treatment with
          antibiotic

       Survivors breed

       New population
        of survivors

      Explain how the above sequences of diagrams show natural selection.            (4)

4.3   Write a short essay in which you explain how changes may occur in the
      DNA sequence during replication and how these changes can affect
      protein synthesis. Also, indicate how these changes may lead to any
      THREE genetic disorders.                                                      (17)

                                                                      Synthesis:     (3)

                                                            TOTAL SECTION C:         40

                                                                GRAND TOTAL:         150

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