# Life Sciences Grade 12 P1 Eastern Cape Mock 2016 QP (Eng)

> Grade 12 Life Sciences Paper 1 question paper from the Eastern Cape Mock Exam 2016 (English), 16 pages. Read online or download the free PDF.

- Page: https://www.hlayiso.com/library/life-sc-p1-gr12-s16-qp-eng/6951fd4a-202a-4a42-a336-087b106c05ff
- Updated: 2026-09-27
- Subject: Life Sciences
- Grade: Grade 12
- Document type: Question paper
- Year: 2016
- Exam period: Eastern Cape Mock Exam
- Paper: 1
- Curriculum: CAPS
- Pages: 16

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Life Sciences · Grade 12 · Eastern Cape Mock Exam · 2016. Question paper, 16 pages. Read online or download the PDF.

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                            NATIONAL
                       SENIOR CERTIFICATE

                             GRADE 12

                        SEPTEMBER 2016

                       LIFE SCIENCES P1

MARKS:   150

TIME:    2½ hours

                                 *LFSCE1*

                    This question paper consists of 15 pages.

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2                                         LIFE SCIENCES P1                        (EC/SEPTEMBER 2016)

INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION

Read the following instructions carefully before answering the questions.

1.      Answer ALL the questions.

2.      Write ALL the answers in your 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.      ALL drawings must be done in pencil and labelled in blue or black ink.

7.      Draw diagrams, flow charts or tables 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. Write neatly and legibly.

12. Round off all calculations to two decimals after the comma.

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(EC/SEPTEMBER 2016)                            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 to D) next to the question numbers
        (1.1.1 to 1.1.10) in the ANSWER BOOK, for example 1.1.11 D.

        1.1.1    The process in which male gametes are formed in humans is called …

                 A      vasectomy.
                 B      spermatogenesis.
                 C      oogenesis.
                 D      mitosis.

        1.1.2    If the Eustachian tube is blocked, which of the following disabilities would be
                 most likely to occur?

                 A      Movement of food bolus to stomach would be prevented.
                 B      Hearing would be impaired.
                 C      Balance of the body would be upset.
                 D      Elimination of urine would be impossible.

        1.1.3    The phase in meiosis during which the chromatin network becomes visible as
                 chromosomes:

                 A      Prophase I
                 B      Telophase II
                 C      Anaphase
                 D      Metaphase II

        1.1.4    Internal fertilisation is the fusion of haploid nuclei of …

                 A      male and female gametes in the female reproductive organ.
                 B      male gamete and female gametes outside the female reproductive
                        organ.
                 C      a haploid male gamete with a diploid female gamete in the female
                        reproductive organ.
                 D      a haploid male gamete with a female somatic cell in the female
                        reproductive organ.

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4                                           LIFE SCIENCES P1                    (EC/SEPTEMBER 2016)

         QUESTION 1.1.5 AND QUESTION 1.1.6 REFER TO THE GRAPH BELOW WHICH
         SHOWS THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE AND THE INFLUENCE THAT DIFFERENT
         HORMONES HAVE ON IT.

                   The influence of hormone levels on the menstrual cycle

                                        X               Y
              Pituitary/
              hypophysis
              hormone levels

            Growth of follicle

                                            1                       2
            Ovarian
            hormone levels

           Thickness of
           uterine lining/
           endometrium

                                 0              7              14        21                28
                                                         Days

         1.1.5    On which TWO days are the levels of hormones 1 and 2 the highest?

                  A      12 and 13
                  B      13 and 21
                  C      11 and 23
                  D      7 and 27

         1.1.6    Which ONE of the following shows the trend of the level of hormones X and Y
                  from days 13 to 14?

                  A      X decreases and Y increases
                  B      Both X and Y decrease
                  C      X increases and Y decreases
                  D      Both X and Y increase

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(EC/SEPTEMBER 2016)                                  LIFE SCIENCES P1                                   5

        1.1.7    The following functions are performed by the different parts of the brain:

                 (i)     Being aware of what happens around you
                 (ii)    Controlling the breathing process
                 (iii)   Controlling voluntary movement
                 (iv)    Controlling muscle tone for effective posture

                 Which ONE of the following combinations represents the functions performed
                 by the cerebrum?

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

        1.1.8    The part of the ear in which sound waves are converted into nerve impulses,
                 is the …

                 A       three ossicles.
                 B       organ of Corti.
                 C       three semi-circular canals.
                 D       middle ear.

        1.1.9    The following gases are found in the atmosphere:

                 (i)     Carbon dioxide
                 (ii)    Methane
                 (iii)   Oxygen
                 (iv)    Ozone

                 Which ONE of the following combinations represent greenhouse gases?

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

        1.1.10 Alien plants flourish in a new habitat because they …

                 A       do not have natural enemies and therefore they are able to outcompete
                         the indigenous species.
                 B       are able to photosynthesise better than indigenous species.
                 C       are able to defend themselves from diseases.
                 D       are able to survive with limited resources.
                                                                                        (10 x 2)        (20)

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6                                           LIFE SCIENCES P1                        (EC/SEPTEMBER 2016)

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 1.2.10) in the ANSWER BOOK.

         1.2.1    The extension of a cell body of a neuron which conducts impulses away from
                  the cell body

         1.2.2    Structures that sense changes in the environment and relay information to the
                  central nervous system

         1.2.3    A measurement of the total amount of greenhouse gases produced by an
                  individual or company per period of time

         1.2.4    The permanent destruction of forests

         1.2.5    The variety of living species in the environment

         1.2.6    A part of the nervous system that controls involuntary actions and has a
                  homeostatic function

         1.2.7    The hormone responsible for the conversion of glycogen to glucose

         1.2.8    A hollow ball of cells into which the fertilised ovum develops

         1.2.9    The membranes which enclose and protect the central nervous system

         1.2.10 The part of the brain that maintains muscle tone, balance and equilibrium
                                                                                       (10 x 1)          (10)

1.3      Indicate whether each of the description in COLUMN І applies to A ONLY, B ONLY,
         BOTH A and B or NONE of the items in COLUMN ІІ. Write A ONLY, B ONLY,
         BOTH A and B or NONE next to the question number (1.3.1 to 1.3.3) in the ANSWER
         BOOK, for example 1.3.4 B ONLY.

                              COLUMN І                                      COLUMN ІІ
         1.3.1    Controls the metabolic rate in the body        A    Growth hormone
                                                                 B    Insulin
         1.3.2    The development in birds where the             A    Precocial development
                  hatchlings can move soon after being born      B    Altricial development
         1.3.3    Eggs incubated in nests                        A    Ovovivipary
                                                                 B    Ovipary
                                                                                            (3 x 2)       (6)

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(EC/SEPTEMBER 2016)                              LIFE SCIENCES P1                                    7

 1.4    The diagram below represents a pathway making possible a process occurring in
        humans. Study the diagram and answer the questions:

                                                       B

                                         A

                                                                                  C

                                                                                  D

                                                           E
                             F

        1.4.1    Which process is made possible by the pathway shown in the diagram?                 (1)

        1.4.2    Identify the LETTER that represents the …

                 (a)     stimulus.                                                                   (1)

                 (b)     effector.                                                                   (1)

        1.4.3    Give the name of the microscopic gap represented by the part labelled D.            (1)

        1.4.4    Damage to which neuron (B, C or E) will cause the …

                 (i)     inability to respond.                                                       (1)

                 (ii)    loss of sensation.                                                          (1)

                 (iii)   loss of both sensation and ability to respond.                              (1)

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8                                            LIFE SCIENCES P1                 (EC/SEPTEMBER 2016)

1.5      The diagram below represents the chromosomes at different stages of meiosis.

         (The shaded chromosomes are maternal in origin and the unshaded chromosomes
         are paternal in origin).

                                                                    3

                                                                             1

                                                    2

              A              B               C             D            E            F

         1.5.1    Write the LETTER that represents the following:

                  (a)    The pairing of homologous chromosomes                                      (1)

                  (b)    Crossing over                                                              (1)

                  (c)    Chromosome in anaphase 2                                                   (1)

                  (d)    Chromosomes in metaphase 1                                                 (1)

         1.5.2    Identify the parts labelled:

                  (a)    1                                                                          (1)

                  (b)    2                                                                          (1)

                  (c)    3                                                                          (1)

                                                                        TOTAL SECTION A:            50

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(EC/SEPTEMBER 2016)                           LIFE SCIENCES P1                                            9

 SECTION B

 QUESTION 2

 2.1    The diagram below shows the structure of a human male reproductive system.

                                                                          A
                                                                          B

                                                                          C
                                                                          D

                                                                          E

        2.1.1    Identify the structure and give ONE function for each of the following labels:

                 (a)    A                                                                                 (2)

                 (b)    C                                                                                 (2)

        2.1.2    Identify the part B.                                                                     (1)

        2.1.3    Give the LETTER of the part that …

                 (a)    produces the sperm cells.                                                         (1)

                 (b)    serves as a temporary storage of sperms.                                          (1)

        2.1.4    Name the structure that is responsible for the transfer of sperm into the female
                 reproductive tract.                                                                      (1)

        2.1.5    Explain what will happen to the ability to reproduce if the part labelled C is
                 permanently blocked.                                                                     (3)

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10                                            LIFE SCIENCES P1                       (EC/SEPTEMBER 2016)

2.2       Thando conducted an experiment to determine which gender has the faster reaction
          time amongst his classmates. Out of 15 learners in his class he randomly selected a
          sample of 5 girls and 5 boys. The following steps were followed for each member of
          the sample during the experiment:

                 Thando held a meter ruler between his thumb and index finger just above
                  the100 cm mark.
                 The pupil placed the thumb and index finger on either side of the meter ruler at
                  the 0 cm mark, with only the thumb touching it.
                 As Thando dropped the meter ruler the pupil caught it by closing the thumb and
                  forefinger.
                 During each trial Thando recorded the distance at which the meter ruler was
                  caught.
                 The procedure was repeated five times for each pupil.

          The table below shows the average distance at which the meter ruler was caught by
          5 boys and 5 girls over five trials.

                Average distance at which the meter ruler was caught over 5 trials (cm)
                  Boys                                     Girls
                  Boy 1                5,8                 Girl 1                4,8
                  Boy 2                5,0                 Girl 2                4,7
                  Boy 3                4,9                 Girl 3                4,2
                  Boy 4                4,8                 Girl 4                4,0
                  Boy 5                4,6                 Girl 5                3,9
               Average (cm)           5,02            Average (cm)              4,32

          2.2.1     Thando’s initial hypothesis was rejected on the basis of the results obtained.
                    Suggest what Thando’s initial hypothesis could have been.                              (2)

          2.2.2     Identify the:

                    (a)    dependent variable of the experiment, and                                       (1)

                    (b)    independent variable of the experiment.                                         (1)

          2.2.3     Give TWO reasons why the results of this experiment may be regarded as
                    reliable.                                                                              (2)

          2.2.4     Mention TWO factors which should be kept constant during the experiment.               (2)

          2.2.5     State a reason why the reaction time of each individual probably improved as
                    the trials progressed.                                                                 (1)

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(EC/SEPTEMBER 2016)                               LIFE SCIENCES P1                                          11

 2.3    Read the extract below and answer the following questions.

                                    Recycling of waste materials
        Every ton (1 000 kg) of paper recycled saves 17 trees and uses 40 percent less
        energy, and 50 percent less water. If all household paper/cardboard were recycled
        750 000 cubic meters of landfill space could be saved a year, saving South African
        Municipalities R60-million a year in collection and landfill costs. The energy saved
        from paper recycling in a year is sufficient to provide electricity to 512 homes for a
        year.
                                                                              [http://treevolution.co.za]

        2.3.1    What is meant by a landfill site?                                                           (1)

        2.3.2    What is the possible amount of money that could be saved by South African
                 Municipalities over two years if all household paper/cardboard were recycled?               (1)

        2.3.3    Suggest TWO reasons, other than the ones mentioned in the extract, for
                 recycling household wastes.                                                                 (2)

        2.3.4    Apart from recycling, which TWO daily shopping habits could be adopted in
                 order to reduce house hold waste?                                                           (2)

        2.3.5    Explain how dumpsites and landfill sites contribute towards global warming.                 (2)

        2.3.6    The recovery rates for various waste materials during the recycling process
                 are given below:

                           Waste material recovered                  Percentage recovered
                                    Cans                                      69
                                   Paper                                      59
                                   Glass                                      25
                                   Plastic                                    17
                                                                              [http://treevolution.co.za]

                 Use the above information to plot a bar graph to represent the data.                        (6)

        2.3.7    Which ONE of the waste materials was …

                        (i)    least recovered?                                                              (1)

                        (ii)   best recovered?                                                               (1)

        2.4      Define the following terms:

                 2.4.1         Karyotype                                                                     (2)

                 2.4.2         Eutrophication                                                                (2)
                                                                                                            [40]

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12                                          LIFE SCIENCES P1                        (EC/SEPTEMBER 2016)

QUESTION 3

3.1       An experiment was conducted by a learner to investigate growth movements in
          plants. A seedling was placed horizontally in the dark as shown in diagram A.
          Diagram B shows the results after 5 days.

                          DIAGRAM A                                  DIAGRAM B

                      Gravitational force                        Gravitational force

          3.1.1    Give the term for the movement of part of a plant in response to a stimulus.           (1)

          3.1.2    Which plant growth hormone stimulates the growth movement shown in
                   Diagram B?                                                                             (1)

          3.1.3    Give any other TWO functions of the hormone mentioned in
                   QUESTION 3.1.2.                                                                        (2)

          3.1.4    Does the accumulation of the hormone mentioned in QUESTION 3.1.2 inhibit
                   or promote cell elongation in the growing tip of a stem?                               (1)

          3.1.5    Explain why the part of the plant which showed a response as illustrated in
                   the Diagram B, will react as shown.                                                    (6)

3.2       Describe the negative feedback mechanism between thyroxin and thyroid stimulating
          hormone (TSH).                                                                                  (6)

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(EC/SEPTEMBER 2016)                          LIFE SCIENCES P1                                        13

 3.3    The graph below illustrates the secretion of growth hormone with age. Study the
        graph and answer the following questions:

                                                                           Source: buylegalhgh.com

        3.3.1    Describe the trend observed in the graph.                                              (2)

        3.3.2    The highest growth rate is observed amongst teenagers. Give an observable
                 reason from the graph to support this statement.                                       (1)

        3.3.3    Name the disorder resulting from …

                 (a)     an over-secretion of hormone in the early days of one’s life.                  (1)

                 (b)     an under-secretion of hormone in the early days of one’s life.                 (1)

        3.3.4    State ONE function of the hormone in the physical development of a
                 teenager.                                                                              (1)

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14                                           LIFE SCIENCES P1                          (EC/SEPTEMBER 2016)

3.4       Read the following extract and answer the questions.

          Several recent studies have suggested a gradual decline in sperm production in men.
          Endocrine disrupters as well as life style have been suggested as risk factors. One life
          style factor that may affect human fertility is driving a vehicle for a prolonged period. It
          is suggested that the driving position may increase the scrotal temperature.

          3.4.1    State any ONE risk factor identified by the researchers.                                  (1)

          3.4.2    Explain why regular long distance driving with no breaks could possibly lower
                   the sperm count in healthy males.                                                         (3)

          3.4.3    Suggest a consequence of lower sperm count in males.                                      (2)

          3.4.4    State any ONE daily life style trend or routine (other than the one mentioned
                   in the extract) that should be avoided to maintain the optimum scrotal
                   temperature.                                                                              (1)

3.5       Temperature regulation is an example of a homeostatic process.

          3.5.1    What is meant by the biological term homeostasis?                                         (2)

          3.5.2    Which body organ is responsible for the maintenance of a constant body
                   temperature?                                                                              (1)

          3.5.3    Explain why the body temperature must be kept constant?                                   (2)

3.6       A learner consumed two packets of chips at break time.

          3.6.1    Describe how the body controls salt concentration in the body fluids when the
                   levels are high.                                                                          (4)

          3.6.2    Which other hormone works with the hormone mentioned in QUESTION 3.6.1
                   to effect homeostasis?                                                                     (1)
                                                                                                             [40]

                                                                              TOTAL SECTION B:               80

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(EC/SEPTEMBER 2016)                         LIFE SCIENCES P1                                      15

 SECTION C

 QUESTION 4

 A ball was hit 50 m high during a day-night cricket match. Amla ran very fast to position
 himself under the ball and caught it against the bright flood light.

 Describe the changes that occurred in Amla’s eyes while he focused on the ball as it
 reached his hands and describe the changes that occurred when he looked at the bright
 light. Also explain the role of adrenalin in enabling him to run fast.
                                                                                      Content: (17)
                                                                                   Synthesis: (3)

 NOTE:      No marks will be awarded for answers in the form of a charts or diagrams.

                                                                         TOTAL SECTION C:               20
                                                                            GRAND TOTAL:               150

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