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GRAAD 12
NATIONAL
SENIOR CERTIFICATE
GRADE 12
LIFE SCIENCES P1
NOVEMBER 2021
MARKS: 150
TIME: 2½ hours
This question paper consists of 16 pages.
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Life Sciences Grade 12 P1 NSC November 2021 QP (Eng)
Grade 12 Life Sciences Paper 1 question paper from the NSC November Exam 2021 (English), 16 pages. Read online or download the free PDF.
Life Sciences · Grade 12 · NSC November Exam · 2021. Question paper, 16 pages. Read online or download the PDF.
- Subject
- Life Sciences
- Grade
- Grade 12
- Document type
- Question paper
- Year
- 2021
- Exam period
- NSC November Exam
- Paper
- 1
- Curriculum
- CAPS
- Pages
- 16
- File size
- 644.2 KB
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This exam
NSC November Exam 2021
Questions in this paper
- Question 1.1HUMAN REPRODUCTION18 marks
- Question 1.2HUMAN REPRODUCTION8 marks
- Question 1.3HUMAN REPRODUCTION6 marks
- Question 1.4HUMAN REPRODUCTION11 marks
- Question 1.5HUMAN REPRODUCTION7 marks
- Question 2.1RESPONDING TO THE ENVIRONMENT (Humans)9 marks
Show all 15 questions
- Question 2.2RESPONDING TO THE ENVIRONMENT (Humans)13 marks
- Question 2.3HUMAN REPRODUCTION12 marks
- Question 2.4RESPONDING TO THE ENVIRONMENT (Humans)7 marks
- Question 2.5HUMAN REPRODUCTION13 marks
- Question 3.1RESPONDING TO THE ENVIRONMENT (Humans)13 marks
- Question 3.2HUMAN ENDOCRINE SYSTEM AND HOMEOSTASIS IN HUMANS12 marks
- Question 3.3HUMAN ENDOCRINE SYSTEM AND HOMEOSTASIS IN HUMANS13 marks
- Question 3.4RESPONDING TO THE ENVIRONMENT (PLANTS)18 marks
- Question 3.5HUMAN REPRODUCTION12 marks
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Life Sciences/P1 2 DBE/November 2021
NSC
INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION
Read the following instructions carefully before answering the questions.
1. Answer ALL the questions.
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. Write neatly and legibly.
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Life Sciences/P1 3 DBE/November 2021
NSC
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 to 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 Grommets are used in the treatment of …
A deafness.
B blindness.
C middle-ear infection.
D multiple sclerosis.
1.1.2 The ability of the lens of the eye to change its shape when viewing
an object that is near or far is called …
A binocular vision.
B accommodation.
C pupillary mechanism.
D refraction of light rays.
1.1.3 Which ONE of the following is the visual defect that results from the
uneven curvature of the cornea?
A Cataracts
B Long-sightedness
C Short-sightedness
D Astigmatism
1.1.4 The receptor(s) involved in maintaining balance is/are the …
A organ of Corti only.
B maculae only.
C maculae and cristae only.
D organ of Corti, maculae and cristae.
1.1.5 Which of the following structures are involved in maintaining
balance when there is a change in the direction of movement of the
body?
A Semi-circular canals and cerebellum
B Eustachian tube and cerebellum
C Semi-circular canals and cerebrum
D Eustachian tube and cerebrum
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Life Sciences/P1 4 DBE/November 2021
NSC
1.1.6 Which of the following structures are protected by the meninges?
A Spinal cord and receptors
B Spinal cord and brain
C Brain and effectors
D Effectors and receptors
1.1.7 Two men were given a glucose-rich meal at the same time
(0 hours). One man is diabetic and the other is non-diabetic. The
diabetic did not receive any medical treatment. Their blood glucose
levels were measured over a period of 3 hours.
The graphs below show the possible blood glucose levels of the
two men during this time.
W X
Diabetic Diabetic
Glucose levels (mg/dℓ) Glucose levels (mg/dℓ)
Non-diabetic Non-diabetic
I I I I I I
0 1 2 3 0 1 2 3
Time (hours) Time (hours)
Y Z
Non-diabetic
Diabetic
Glucose levels (mg/dℓ) Glucose levels (mg/dℓ)
Diabetic
Non-diabetic
I I I I I I
0 1 2 3 0 1 2 3
Time (hours) Time (hours)
Which ONE of the graphs correctly represents the blood glucose
levels of the two men?
A W
B X
C Y
D Z
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Life Sciences/P1 5 DBE/November 2021
NSC
1.1.8 During a reflex action, impulses enter the spinal cord by means
of a/an …
A sensory neuron through the ventral root of the spinal nerve.
B sensory neuron through the dorsal root of the spinal nerve.
C interneuron through the ventral root of the spinal nerve.
D interneuron through the dorsal root of the spinal nerve.
1.1.9 A person produces a smaller volume of urine most probably
because …
A ADH levels are high in the blood and the renal tubules are
more permeable to water.
B ADH levels are high in the blood and the renal tubules are less
permeable to water.
C ADH levels are low in the blood and the renal tubules are more
permeable to water.
D ADH levels are low in the blood and the renal tubules are less
permeable to water. (9 x 2 ) (18)
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Life Sciences/P1 6 DBE/November 2021
NSC
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 1.2.8) in the
ANSWER BOOK.
1.2.1 The release of an ovum from the ovary
1.2.2 The microscopic gap between two consecutive neurons
1.2.3 The period of development of the foetus in the uterus
1.2.4 The growth movement of a plant in response to a stimulus
1.2.5 The type of development in birds where the young are able to
independently move and feed themselves after hatching
1.2.6 The extra-embryonic membrane that is responsible for the
excretion of waste in an amniotic egg
1.2.7 Tubules in the testes where spermatogenesis occurs
1.2.8 The plant hormone that brings about seed dormancy when
conditions are unfavourable (8 x 1) (8)
1.3 Indicate whether each of the descriptions in COLUMN I 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 1.3.3) in
the ANSWER BOOK.
COLUMN I COLUMN II
1.3.1 An exocrine gland A: Cowper's gland
B: Pancreas
1.3.2 A component of the peripheral A: Cranial nerves
nervous system B: Spinal cord
1.3.3 A disorder of the nervous system A: Goitre
characterised by the degeneration B: Alzheimer's disease
of the brain cells
(3 x 2) (6)
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Life Sciences/P1 7 DBE/November 2021
NSC
1.4 The diagram below shows the parts of the male reproductive system.
A
B
H C
G D
E
F
1.4.1 Identify part:
(a) C (1)
(b) F (1)
(c) H (1)
1.4.2 Give the LETTER and NAME of the part that:
(a) Stores sperm temporarily (2)
(b) Transports both semen and urine (2)
(c) Produces testosterone (2)
1.4.3 Give the LETTERS of TWO parts that contribute to the formation of
semen. (2)
(11)
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Life Sciences/P1 8 DBE/November 2021
NSC
1.5 The diagram below represents an ovum and a sperm.
A B C
E F G H
D
1.5.1 Identify part:
(a) B (1)
(b) D (1)
(c) H (1)
1.5.2 Name the organelle found in large numbers in part G. (1)
1.5.3 Give the LETTERS of the TWO parts that fuse during fertilisation. (2)
1.5.4 Name the meiotic process whereby ova are produced. (1)
(7)
TOTAL SECTION A: 50
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Life Sciences/P1 9 DBE/November 2021
NSC
SECTION B
QUESTION 2
2.1 The diagram below represents a type of neuron found in the human body.
NEURON 1 NEURON 2
C
A B
2.1.1 Identify the type of neuron shown. (1)
2.1.2 Using the LETTERS A, B and C only, give the correct sequence for
the transmission of an impulse along neuron 1. (2)
2.1.3 Explain how the speed of transmission of impulses will differ for
neuron 1 and neuron 2. (3)
2.1.4 Explain why a person will feel the stimulus but will not be able to
respond if only this type of neuron is damaged. (3)
(9)
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Life Sciences/P1 10 DBE/November 2021
NSC
2.2 The diagram below represents the structure of the human eye.
B C
A D
F
E
2.2.1 Identify part C. (1)
2.2.2 Give ONE function of part E. (1)
2.2.3 State why the clearest image will form when light rays fall on
part D. (1)
2.2.4 Explain ONE way in which part B is structurally different from
part F. (4)
2.2.5 Describe how the muscles in part A function to increase the
amount of light entering the eye. (3)
2.2.6 Describe how a blurred image forms if a person with normal vision
wears spectacles with biconvex lenses while reading a book. (3)
(13)
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Life Sciences/P1 11 DBE/November 2021
NSC
2.3 Read the extract below.
Endometriosis is a medical condition that occurs when the endometrium
develops in or on other structures such as the Fallopian tubes, ovaries or
pelvis. It is caused by higher than normal levels of oestrogen. Females with
this condition will most likely experience mild to severe menstrual pains. This
condition can sometimes lead to infertility.
Doctors may prescribe a contraceptive pill as treatment to reduce the
development of the endometrium. The pill contains progesterone.
2.3.1 Name the structure where the endometrium normally develops. (1)
2.3.2 Explain why endometriosis in the Fallopian tubes may lead to
infertility. (3)
2.3.3 Use the negative feedback mechanism to explain why the pills
containing progesterone are successful in treating endometriosis. (4)
(8)
2.4 Describe the process of hearing. (7)
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Life Sciences/P1 12 DBE/November 2021
NSC
2.5 The diagram below shows a developing human foetus.
A
D
C
To mother
B
To foetus
2.5.1 Identify part D. (1)
2.5.2 State TWO functions of the fluid in part C. (2)
2.5.3 Describe the development of the zygote until implantation occurs. (4)
2.5.4 State TWO ways in which part A functions in protecting the
developing foetus. (2)
2.5.5 Identify blood vessel B. (1)
2.5.6 Describe how the nutrition of a human foetus differs from that of
oviparous organisms. (3)
(13)
[50]
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Life Sciences/P1 13 DBE/November 2021
NSC
QUESTION 3
3.1 The diagrams below show the human brain and human kidney.
D
Gland E
C
A
B
3.1.1 Identify part A. (1)
3.1.2 State ONE function of part C. (1)
3.1.3 A person sustained a head injury in a car accident and lost his
memory.
Write down the LETTER and NAME of the part of the brain that
was affected. (2)
3.1.4 During an emergency situation, gland E releases a hormone that
prepares the body for a 'fight or flight' response by stimulating an
increase in breathing rate and heart rate. This increase leads to
increased energy production in the skeletal muscles and an
increase in blood carbon dioxide levels.
(a) Name the hormone secreted by gland E in an emergency
situation. (1)
(b) Explain how an increase in breathing rate and heart rate
results in increased energy production in skeletal muscles. (4)
(c) Describe how part B is involved in carbon dioxide
homeostasis. (4)
(13)
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Life Sciences/P1 14 DBE/November 2021
NSC
3.2 The table below shows the average rate of blood flow to the skin at different
environmental temperatures.
ENVIRONMENTAL AVERAGE RATE OF
TEMPERATURE BLOOD FLOW TO THE
(°C) SKIN
(mℓ /100 mℓ tissue/min)
0 2,5
5 4
20 4,5
35 11
45 18
50 19
3.2.1 Give the environmental temperature at which there was the
greatest average rate of blood flow to the skin. (1)
3.2.2 Describe the relationship between the environmental temperature
and the average rate of blood flow to the skin. (2)
3.2.3 Calculate the percentage increase in blood flow to the skin
between 5 °C and 35 °C. Show ALL your workings. (3)
3.2.4 Explain the average rate of blood flow to the skin between 20 °C
and 45 °C. (4)
3.2.5 Frostbite is a condition where long term exposure to extremely cold
conditions (0 °C or less) leads to the death of tissue in areas like
the hands and feet.
Use the data from the table to explain why tissue may die. (2)
(12)
3.3 3.3.1 Describe the negative feedback mechanism that occurs when
thyroxin levels in the blood are high. (5)
3.3.2 A person has a medical condition that results in the under-
secretion of thyroxin.
Explain why this person will gain weight if the thyroxin levels
remain continuously low in the blood. (3)
(8)
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Life Sciences/P1 15 DBE/November 2021
NSC
3.4 A group of learners conducted an investigation to determine the effect of
auxins on the growth of stems in bean seedlings.
The procedure was as follows:
30 bean seeds were allowed to germinate for 5 days to produce
seedlings.
The seedlings were divided into 3 groups (A, B and C) of 10 seedlings
each.
The tips of all the seedlings were cut at the same length.
In group A, the cut tip was placed back on top of the young stem.
In group B, the tip was not placed back.
In group C, a piece of plastic was placed on top of the cut surface and the
tip was then placed on top of the plastic.
The seedlings in all the groups were placed in a dark cupboard for a
week.
The growth of the stem was then observed.
The diagram below shows how the seedlings in each group were treated.
Cut tip Plastic
Tip cut
and
replaced
Young
stem
Young
root
Group A Group B Group C
3.4.1 Identify the dependent variable in this investigation. (1)
3.4.2 Why did the learners cut the tips of the young stems? (1)
3.4.3 Give ONE reason why 10 bean seedlings were used in each group. (1)
3.4.4 Write down the LETTER(S) (A, B or C) of the group(s) where there
will be no upward growth of the stem. (2)
3.4.5 Describe how auxins cause apical dominance. (3)
3.4.6 Name the plant hormone:
(a) Other than auxins, that promotes the germination of seeds (1)
(b) That inhibits the germination of seeds (1)
(10)
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Life Sciences/P1 16 DBE/November 2021
NSC
3.5 Read the extract below.
The bluefin tuna, the great white shark and the bottlenose dolphin are three
aquatic species that are found in the Indian Ocean.
An adult bluefin tuna releases up to 540 000 000 eggs into the water
annually, while the great white shark female produces 2 to 12 offspring
through ovovivipary every two years. A bottlenose dolphin female, being a
mammal, is viviparous and produces one offspring every two to three years.
3.5.1 Name the type of fertilisation that takes place in the bottlenose
dolphin. (1)
3.5.2 Explain how TWO of the reproductive strategies of the great white
shark increase its reproductive success. (4)
3.5.3 Explain ONE reason why the bluefin tuna releases a large number
of eggs. (2)
(7)
[50]
TOTAL SECTION B: 100
GRAND TOTAL: 150
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