# Life Sciences Grade 12 P1 North West Mock 2025 QP

> Grade 12 Life Sciences Paper 1 question paper from the North West Mock Exam 2025, 14 pages. Read online or download the free PDF.

- Page: https://www.hlayiso.com/library/life-sciences-grade-12-nsc-p1-qp-september-2025-north-west/9dc29799-a675-40eb-9573-df7341b3572f
- Updated: 2026-09-27
- Subject: Life Sciences
- Grade: Grade 12
- Document type: Question paper
- Year: 2025
- Exam period: North West Mock Exam
- Paper: 1
- Curriculum: CAPS
- Pages: 14

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## About this document

Life Sciences · Grade 12 · North West Mock Exam · 2025. Question paper, 14 pages. Read online or download the PDF.

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## Document text

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### Page 1

education

Department:

Education

North West Provincial Government
REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA

[ NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE

GRADE 12

LIFE SCIENCES P1
SEPTEMBER 2025

MARKS: 150

TIME: 2% hours

This question paper consists of 14 pages.

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INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION

Read the following instructions carefully before answering the questions.

1.

2

10.

11.

Answer ALL the questions.
Write ALL the answers in the ANSWER BOOK.
Start the answer to EACH question at the top of a NEW page.

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

Present your answers according to the instructions of each question.

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

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

The diagrams in this question paper are NOT necessarily all drawn to scale.
Do NOT use graph paper.

You must use a non-programmable calculator, protractor and compass, where
necessary.

Write neatly and legibly.

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SECTION A
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 1.1.9.) in the ANSWER BOOK, e.g.1.1.10 D.

1.1.1 In bright light ...

A _ the pupil constricts.
B __ the pupil dilates.
C circular muscles of the iris relax.
D radial muscles of the iris contract.
1.1.2 The nerve cells that transmit impulses to the brain and spinal cord,
are called ...
A neurons.
B connector neuron.
C sensory neuron.
D_ motor neuron.

1.1.3. The part of the ear in which the pressure waves are converted into
nerve impulses, is the ...

A _ ossicles.

B _ organ of Corti.

C semi-circular canal.
D_ middle ear.

1.1.4 Which part of the brain processes visual impulses?

A Hypothalamus

B- Medulla oblongata
C Cerebellum

D  Cerebrum

1.1.5 A disease caused by the damage of the myelin sheath of neurons
and characterised by physical and mental disabilities is called ...

Alzheimer’s disease.
Parkinson's disease.
Multiple sclerosis.
Multiple diagnosis.

loonie.

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1.1.6 The production of secondary metabolites, such as alkaloids and
terpenoids, in plants serves primarily to ...

A __ promote photosynthesis.

B attract pollinators.

C deter herbivores and reduce pathogen attacks.
D_ enhance water retention.

1.1.7 Which ONE of the following structures in an amniotic egg
protects the developing embryo from physical injury?

A Allantois
B_ Shell

C  Chorion
D- Yolk sac

1.1.8 Internal fertilisation is the fusion of haploid nuclei of ...

A male and female gametes in the female reproductive
system.

B- male and female gametes outside female reproductive
system.

C_ ahaploid male and a diploid female gamete in the female
reproductive system.

D_adiploid male and a diploid female gamete in the female
reproductive system.

1.1.9 Areproductive strategy that leads to the loss of many sperm:
Internal fertilisation
External fertilisation

A

B

C_ Precocial development

D_Altricial development (9 x 2) (18)

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1.2 Give the correct biological term for EACH of the following descriptions.
Write only the term next to the question numbers (1.2.1 to 1.2.8) in the
ANSWER BOOK.

1.2.1

1.2.2

1.2.3

1.2.4

1.2.5

1.2.6

N2n

1.2.8

Inhibition of the growth of lateral buds by auxins present in apical
buds

A layer inside the eye that absorbs light, thus reducing reflection

The physiological connection between the axon of one neuron
and the dendrite of another

The nervous system which consists of cranial and spinal nerves
The plant growth hormone that stimulates seed germination
The visual defect caused by the uneven curvature of the cornea

A disease characterised by the degeneration of brain cells and
loss of memory

Corrective lenses for short-sightedness (8 x 1) (8)

1.3. Indicate whether each of the descriptions 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 numbers
(1.3.1 to 1.3.3) in the ANSWER BOOK.

COLUMN | COLUMN II
1.3.1. The protective membranes | A: Meninges
that cover the brain and the | B: Germinal epithelial
spinal cord
1.3.2 Eggs incubated in nests A: Ovovivipary
B: _Viviparous
1.3.3 Aplant hormone that helps] A: Auxins
plant seeds to survive|B: Abscisic acid
unfavourable conditions

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(3 x 2) (6)

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1.4 Plant hormones play major roles in plants.

1.41 Give the NAME of the plant hormone that:

(a) Is responsible for bringing dormancy in seeds (1)
(b) Causes bending reactions in plant stems and roots (1)
(c) Is responsible for the elongation of internodes in plants (1)

QUESTIONS 1.4.2 AND 1.4.3 ARE BASED ON THE DIAGRAM BELOW.

1.4.2 NAME the type of tropism in:

(a) A (1)
(b) B (1)
1.4.3 Identify the stimuli which causes bending in:
(a) PartA (1)
(b) Part B (1)
(7)

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1.5 The diagrams below represents the male and female reproductive systems.

Diagram | Diagram Il

1.5.1
1.5.2

1.5.3

1.5.4

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Identify structure A.
List TWO adaptations of part E.

Write down the LETTER and NAME of parts where meiosis
takes place:

(a) Diagram |

(b) Diagram Il

Give the NAME of a part where:

(a) Sperms are stored to mature before release

(b) Fertilisation takes place

(c) Oestrogen is produced

(d) A fluid is secreted for movement and nutrition of a sperm

cell

TOTAL SECTION A:

(1)
(2)

(2)
(2)

(1)
(1)
(1)
a
50

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SECTION B
QUESTION 2

2.1 The diagram below shows a sperm.

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D
2.1.1 Identify part A. (1)
Z12 ls a sperm cell haploid or diploid? (1)
218 Give a reason for your answer to QUESTION 2.1.2. (2)
2.1.4 State the function of part D. (1)
2.1.5 Describe spermatogenesis. ahi

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2.2 The diagram below shows tubal ligation.

2.2.1 Name the procedure labelled X. (1)
22.2 Explain the effect of the procedure named in QUESTION 2.2.1

on fertility. (3)

(4)

2.3 Describe the thermoregulation process during low environmental
temperatures by the following parts of the human body:

(a) Blood vessels in the skin (3)

(b) Sweat glands (3)
(6)

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2.4 A fertilised egg is the beginning of a pregnancy. Normally, the fertilised egg
attaches to the uterine lining. When a fertilised egg implants and grows
outside of the uterus’ main cavity, it is called an ectopic pregnancy.

Fallopian tubes carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus, which is where
ectopic pregnancy occurs most often. This type of ectopic pregnancy is called
a tubal pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy may also occur in other parts of the
body, such as the ovary, the abdominal cavity, or the lower part of the uterus

(cervix).
2.4.1 What is an ectopic pregnancy? (1)
2.4.2 Name TWO areas in the female reproductive system where an
ectopic pregnancy can occur. (2)
2.4.3 Explain ONE consequence of the foetus growing in the
fallopian tube. (2)
2.4.4 (a) Identify the structure D. (1)
(b) Name TWO structures that leads to the formation of
structure D. (2)
2.4.5 Explain TWO reasons why the amniotic fluid is important during
pregnancy. (4)
2.4.6 Describe the developmental steps during gestation of the
foetus. (4)
(16)

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2.5 The diagram below shows the organs involved in the endocrine system and
homeostasis.

254 Define the term homeostasis. (2)
25.2 Identify organ E. (1)

2.53 Name the:

(a) Gland in F that secretes prolactin (1)
(b) Organ that plays a role in thermoregulation (1)
(c) Cells where glycogen is converted to glucose (1)
2.5.4 Describe the role of organ A to perform its osmoregulation
function. (3)
25:5 Explain how organ B and a part in organ F maintain the carbon
dioxide levels in the blood. (5)
(14)
[50]

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QUESTION 3

3.1. The researchers reported that hearing ability often changes with age, particularly
affecting the ability to perceive high-frequency sounds. They aimed to explore
how different age groups vary in their ability to hear various frequencies of sound,
focusing on the impact of aging on high-frequency hearing.

The investigation aimed to examine the effect of age on the ability to hear higher
frequencies of sound.

The procedure was as follows:

e The study involved 64 participants.

e Participants were divided into four groups of 16 participants according to the
following age groups: 18-30 years, 31-50 years, 51—70 years, and 71+ years.

e The researchers ensured an equal number of males and females in each age

group.

The testing was conducted in a quiet, soundproof environment.

The researchers calibrated the hearing equipment before each test.

They maintained a consistent hearing test protocol for all participants.

Each participant underwent the hearing test three times.

Participants were tested using an audiometer to measure their hearing ability

at various frequencies (250 Hz, 500 Hz, 1 000 Hz, 2 000 Hz, 4 000 Hz).

The researchers recorded results for each frequency and analysed them.

PERCENTAGE FREQUENCY (Hz)
HEARING IN
DIFFERENT 250 500 1000 2 000 4000
AGE GROUPS
18-30 95 94 92 91 90
31-50 93 92 89 85 75
51-70 90 88 80 74 65
71+ 65 62 55 52 50

3.424 Identify:
(a) The aim of the investigation
(b) The independent variables
(c) ONE controlled variable

3.1.2 Describe how investigators measured hearing ability.

(2)
(2)
(1)
(3)

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3.1.3

3.1.4

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Describe the relationship between age and hearing ability.

List TWO ways how reliable results were obtained in this
investigation.

Draw a line graph to show the effect of increasing sound
frequencies on hearing, of the age group 51-70 years.

3.2. The diagram below represents the human ear.

3.2.1

3.2.2

3.2.3

3.2.4

3.2.5

4
] —_
x

7

Identify part 6.
Give ONE function of part 7 in hearing.

Write down the correct number sequence of the transfer of
sound in the human ear.

Describe the process of balance when there is a change in
speed and direction of the head.

Explain what would happen to the ability to hear if part X is
blocked.

3.3 A person stepped on a thorn with his foot and immediately withdrew it.

Describe the path of the reflex action from the moment he stepped on the
thorn until he moved his foot away.

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(2)

(2)

(6)
(18)

(1)
(1)

(2)
(5)
(4)

(13)

(5)
(5)

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3.4 Read the extract below on the endocrine system and homeostasis.

THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM AND HOMEOSTASIS

The endocrine system is a network of glands that produce hormones
essential for maintaining homeostasis, or balance, in the body. Two key
glands include the thyroid and pituitary glands. Located in the neck, the
thyroid gland releases Thyroxin (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3), which
control metabolism, growth, and development. The pituitary gland
(hypothalamus), often called the "master gland," regulates other glands by
sending signals to activate or deactivate hormone production.

Thyroxin, produced by the thyroid and converted to T3 in cells, helps
regulate metabolism, energy production, growth, and nervous system
function. To maintain homeostasis, the pituitary gland monitors thyroid
hormone levels and adjusts them by releasing Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone
(TSH) to increase hormone production or thyroid-inhibiting hormones to
decrease it. This feedback system ensures the body has balanced thyroid
hormone levels. When imbalances occur, they can lead to conditions such
as hypothyroidism, causing fatigue and weight gain, or hyperthyroidism,
causing weight loss and anxiety.

3.4.1 What is the endocrine system? (1)
3.4.2 Name TWO disorders caused by imbalances in the thyroid
gland. (2)
3.4.3 Give TWO functions of thyroxin in the human body. (2)
3.4.4 Describe the homeostatic control when the level of thyroxin in
the blood is higher than normal. (5)
3.4.5 Explain TWO consequences for a person if their thyroxin level
remains abnormally low for too long. (4)
(14)
[50]

TOTAL SECTION B: 100
GRAND TOTAL: 150

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