# Life Sciences Grade 11 P2 Eastern Cape November 2025 QP

> Grade 11 Life Sciences Paper 2 question paper from the Eastern Cape November Exam 2025 (English), 17 pages. Read online or download the free PDF.

- Page: https://www.hlayiso.com/library/life-sciences-p2-qp-gr11-nov-2025-eng-watermark/0249505b-9116-4f42-870c-e7cabeed0f37
- Updated: 2026-09-27
- Subject: Life Sciences
- Grade: Grade 11
- Document type: Question paper
- Year: 2025
- Exam period: Eastern Cape November Exam
- Paper: 2
- Curriculum: CAPS
- Pages: 17

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## About this document

Life Sciences · Grade 11 · Eastern Cape November Exam · 2025. Question paper, 17 pages. Read online or download the PDF.

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## Document text

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### Page 1

NATIONAL
                      SENIOR CERTIFICATE

                             GRADE 11

                        NOVEMBER 2025

                      LIFE SCIENCES P2

MARKS:   150

TIME:    2½ hours

                    This question paper consists of 17 pages.

### Page 2

2                                    LIFE SCIENCES P2                        (EC/NOVEMBER 2025)

 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 answer 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, 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.     All calculations to be rounded off to TWO decimal places.

 12.     Write neatly and legibly.

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### Page 3

(EC/NOVEMBER 2025)                         LIFE SCIENCES P2                                    3

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, for example 1.1.10 D.

      1.1.1    Organisms that cannot move since they are permanently attached to a
               surface are known as …

               A     autotrophic.
               B     sessile.
               C     porifera.
               D     motile.

      1.1.2    Which of the following is the role of micro-organisms in the nitrogen cycle?

               A     Photosynthesis
               B     Binary fission
               C     Nitrification
               D     Cause diseases

      1.1.3    A feature of a developing country is …

               A     an expanding older age population.
               B     a decreasing younger age population.
               C     inadequate health facilities.
               D     a high literacy rate.

      1.1.4    Flowers with large, feathery stigmas to catch pollen are …

               A     wind pollinated.
               B     insect pollinated.
               C     bird pollinated.
               D     water pollinated.

      1.1.5    A common characteristic for all micro-organisms is that they are …

               A     Found only in soil.
               B     photosynthetic.
               C     microscopic.
               D     harmful.

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### Page 4

4                                   LIFE SCIENCES P2                    (EC/NOVEMBER 2025)

     1.1.6 The diagram below represents a process that negatively affects marine
           life.

                                           Water enriched
                                         with photosynthetic
                                              protozoan

                                            Aquatic organisms

             Which ONE of the following descriptions represents the process and
             events occuring in this habitat?

                           Process                Nutrients         Aquatic
                                                  (nitrogen,       organisms
                                                 phosphorus)
             A          Eutrophication             Increase          Survive
             B           Algal bloom               Increase          Survive
             C          Eutrophication             Decrease           Die
             D           Algal bloom               Increase           Die

     1.1.7 Which ONE of the following factors has yielded better crops that have
           contributed to the human exponential growth over the past century?

             A       Ozone layer depletion
             B       Technological improvements
             C       Agricultural improvements
             D       Medicinal improvements

     1.1.8 Viruses are considered living only when they …

             A       are in soil.
             B       contain RNA.
             C       have a nucleus.
             D       reproduce inside a host cell.

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### Page 5

(EC/NOVEMBER 2025)                       LIFE SCIENCES P2                                    5

       1.1.9    The diagram below represents an interaction in a particular ecosystem.
                Both populations undergo logistic growth.

                What is likely to happen to the logistic growth form over the course of
                these species’ survival?

                A    The population size of B will always increase exponentially due to
                     unlimited resources
                B    The population size of both A and B will always increase
                C    Population size of both A and B fluctuates over time with the
                     species B population increasing first
                D    Population size of both A and B fluctuates over time with the
                     population of A increasing first                            (9 x 2) (18)

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    A diagram that shows the distribution of age and gender for a population

       1.2.2    A plant structure that contains an embryo which results from a fertilised
                ovule

       1.2.3    A study of interactions between living organisms and their environment

       1.2.4    A process in which white blood cells engulf and digest harmful pathogens

       1.2.5    The movement of individuals of a population out of a habitat

       1.2.6    The collective name for a filament and an anther

       1.2.7    A method of controlling alien invasive plant species by introducing their
                natural enemy into the environment

       1.2.8    The average number of years a person is expected to live          (8 x 1)    (8)

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### Page 6

6                                LIFE SCIENCES P2                         (EC/NOVEMBER 2025)

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

                        COLUMN Ι                            COLUMN ΙΙ
       1.3.1    An organism that transmits         A:   Vector
                pathogens from one host to         B:   Anopheles female
                another                                 mosquito
       1.3.2    Division of resources by different A:   Resource partitioning
                species which reduces competition B:    Competitive exclusion
                and enables coexistence
       1.3.3    An avascular plant                 A:   Bryophyte
                                                   B:   Gymnosperm
                                                                            (3 x 2)    (6)

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### Page 7

(EC/NOVEMBER 2025)                          LIFE SCIENCES P2                              7

1.4    The diagrams below represent two pathogenic micro-organisms to humans.

                                                                           D

                                        B

         A

                                                  E

         C                                                                  F

                      Diagram 1                                Diagram 2

       1.4.1    Identify the micro-organism in diagram 1.                                (1)

       1.4.2    Label parts:

                (a)    C                                                                 (1)

                (b)    D                                                                 (1)

       1.4.3    Which diagram (1 or 2) represents a pathogenic micro-organism that:

                (a)    Causes HIV/Aids infection?                                        (1)

                (b)    Develops resistance to antibiotics?                               (1)

       1.4.4    Write only the TWO LETTERS of the organelles that contain genetic
                material in both diagrams.                                               (2)

       1.4.5    Give the name of the:

                (a)    Circular structure used in insulin production by organisms in
                       diagram 1                                                         (1)

                (b)    Type of micro-organism as in diagram 2 that attacks organisms
                       in diagram 1                                                      (1)

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### Page 8

8                                 LIFE SCIENCES P2                            (EC/NOVEMBER 2025)

1.5    The diagram below illustrates the greenhouse effect.

                      The Sun

                                      A

       1.5.1    Identify the type of energy emitted by the sun in this greenhouse effect.     (1)

       1.5.2    State what happens to the type of energy identified in QUESTION 1.5.1
                at point A.                                                                   (1)

       1.5.3    Give TWO greenhouse gases that enhance the greenhouse effect in the
                atmosphere.                                                                   (2)

       1.5.4    Name the phenomenon that exists when:

                (a)     The average global temperatures increase on Earth                     (1)

                (b)     Humans cut-down trees for their own benefit                           (1)

                (c)     There is a change in weather patterns over a long time                (1)

                (d)     The total amount of greenhouse gases emitted directly or
                        indirectly by an individual per year                                  (1)

       1.5.5    Name the human activity that enhances the greenhouse effect in the
                production of electricity.                                                    (1)

                                                                   TOTAL SECTION A:           50

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### Page 9

(EC/NOVEMBER 2025)                         LIFE SCIENCES P2                                 9

SECTION B

QUESTION 2

2.1    The diagram below shows a hummingbird pollinating a plant.

       2.1.1    Name the plant division represented by the plant in the diagram
                above.                                                                     (1)

       2.1.2    State TWO unique characteristics of the plant division named in
                QUESTION 2.1.1.                                                            (2)

       2.1.3    Identify the labelled part which:

                (a)   Produces a male gamete                                               (1)

                (b)   Is located on top of the pistil                                      (1)

                (c)   Attracts the hummingbird to this plant                               (1)

       2.1.4    Explain the significance for reproduction, of having both male and
                female reproductive parts being close to each other in this plant.         (3)

       2.1.5    Name another pollinating agent that is attracted by a strong scent
                produced by other plants.                                                  (1)

       2.1.6    Discuss TWO important roles the process of pollination plays for plant
                survival in ecosystems.                                                    (4)

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### Page 10

10                                LIFE SCIENCES P2                          (EC/NOVEMBER 2025)

2.2 The diagram below shows a pteridophyte (fern) plant.

                                                                      Y

                                                           X

                                                         Roots

     2.2.1    Identify the type of:

              (a)    Stem at X                                                             (1)

              (b)    Leaf at Y                                                             (1)

     2.2.2    Name the cluster of sporangia that are usually found on the underside of
              the leaf at Y.                                                           (1)

     2.2.3    Tabulate ONE difference between the plant sizes of pteridophytes in
              comparison to bryophytes.                                           (3)

     2.2.4    Name TWO vascular tissues that are found in the roots of this fern plant.    (2)

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### Page 11

(EC/NOVEMBER 2025)                         LIFE SCIENCES P2                               11

2.3 The phylogenetic tree below shows different organisms that belong to the most
    evolved phylum in the animal kingdom.

                               Mammals

         Mammary glands, hair
                                                           Birds
                       Feathers
                                       Reptiles

              Amnion
                                                  Amphibians

               Limbs
                                   Bony fishes

               Lungs
                                  Cartilaginous fishes

               Jaws
                              Jawless fishes

             Vertebrae
                                                   Tunicates

                              Lancelets

             Ancestor

     2.3.1    Identify the:

              (a)    Phylum represented by the diagram above                              (1)

              (b)    TWO organisms in the diagram above that lack a backbone              (2)

     2.3.2    Some organisms that belong to the animal group identified in
              QUESTION 2.3.1(b) are also found on land.
              Explain the role played by those organisms in agriculture.                  (3)

     2.3.3    Name the:

              (a)    Characteristic shared by mammals, birds and reptiles                 (1)

              (b)    Group of organisms with the most advanced evolutionary features      (1)

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### Page 12

12                                    LIFE SCIENCES P2                         (EC/NOVEMBER 2025)

2.4   The diagrams below represent two circulatory systems that exist in different
      animals.

                            Heart                                    Heart

                          Fluid in sinuses
                          around organs
                                                        P
              Circulatory system 1                          Circulatory system 2

                ORGANISM A                                  ORGANISM B

      2.4.1   Identify the type of:

              (a)     Blood circulatory system 1                                                (1)

              (b)     Blood vessel P                                                            (1)

      2.4.2   Name TWO useful substances that are transported in blood vessel P of
              organism B that assist in its survival.                                           (2)

      2.4.3   Describe the type of body symmetry associated with organism A.                    (2)

      2.4.4   Name the fluid filled body cavity that:

              (a)     Acts as a hydrostatic skeleton in organism B                              (1)

              (b)     Plays a role in nutrient distribution and waste removal in organism A     (1)

      2.4.5   Give TWO benefits of having segmented body plans displayed by organism
              A and B.                                                                          (2)

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### Page 13

(EC/NOVEMBER 2025)                        LIFE SCIENCES P2                                   13

2.5 The graphs below show the antibody response after Covid-19 vaccine doses in
    6 245 participants in the United States of America (USA).

     2.5.1    State what happens to antibody levels after Covid-19 vaccine is initially
              administered on day 0 to 40.                                                    (1)

     2.5.2    Give the:

              (a)    Antibody level two months after the second Covid-19 vaccine dose
                     was administered                                                         (1)

              (b)    Type of immunity the Covid-19 vaccine offers to patients                 (1)

              (c)    Cells in the immune system that produce antibodies                       (1)

     2.5.3    Give ONE reason why 6 245 participants were used instead of
              60 participants in this study.                                                  (2)

     2.5.4    Give the main active component of a vaccine.                                    (1)

     2.5.5    Based on the information on the graphs over the 120-day period, explain
              why it is necessary for people to take the third dose of the Covid-19
              vaccine dose.                                                                   (3)
                                                                                             [50]

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### Page 14

14                               LIFE SCIENCES P2                           (EC/NOVEMBER 2025)

QUESTION 3

3.1    An aging population together with low-fertility rates has seen the population of
       Japan decline rapidly in recent years. Japan had a population size of
       126,9 million people in 2016.

       The table below shows the annual population decrease rate from 2016 to 2024
       in Japan. The population decrease rate is calculated by subtracting the number
       of deaths from the number of births.

                     PERIOD (Years)                 POPULATION DECREASE
                       2016-2017                          363 000
                       2017-2018                          405 000
                       2018-2019                          497 000
                       2019-2020                          505 000
                       2020-2021                          610 000
                       2021-2022                          780 000
                       2022-2023                          837 000
                       2023-2024                          890 000

       3.1.1    Define the term population.                                                (3)

       3.1.2   Describe the general trend that can be observed in the population size
               of Japan over this period.                                                  (2)

       3.1.3    Calculate the percentage increase in the number of people by which
                Japan’s population decreased from 2019‒2020 and 2020‒2021.
                Show ALL working.                                                          (3)

       3.1.4    Explain TWO ways in which a negative population growth could
                negatively harm a country.                                                 (4)

       3.1.5    Name ONE factor that might increase the population size of Japan.          (1)

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### Page 15

(EC/NOVEMBER 2025)                       LIFE SCIENCES P2                                  15

3.2    Cloud seeding is a weather modification technique that introduces seeding
       agents (substances) such as silver/potassium iodide, dry ice as well as sodium
       chloride into the clouds. These seeding agents are usually transported by
       aircrafts into small clouds to allow them to condense and enlarge. This
       eventually increases rainfall in drought-affected regions.

       The diagram below shows a schematic representation of how cloud seeding is
       performed.

       3.2.1    Give TWO cloud seeding agents that are NOT dispersed by this
                aircraft.                                                                  (2)

       3.2.2    Name ONE human-made reservoir that will store water from the rainfall
                caused by cloud seeding.                                                   (1)

       3.2.3    Explain ONE benefit on agriculture that cloud seeding has in regions
                affected by drought.                                                       (2)

       3.2.4    Suggest THREE other strategies of increasing water availability in
                drought affected regions.                                                  (3)

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### Page 16

16                                 LIFE SCIENCES P2                         (EC/NOVEMBER 2025)

3.3   Scientists carried out an investigation to determine how different
      concentrations of microplastics affect the rate of photosynthesis in aquatic
      organisms such as algae.

      They:
      • Identified and cultured a freshwater algae (Chlorella vulgaris) in a lab.
      • Prepared multiple beakers with growth medium and equal amounts of
         freshwater algae in each beaker. The beakers were divided into FOUR
         groups A to D.
      • Added a microplastic (polyethylene microspheres) in the beakers with
         increasing concentrations of microplastic as follows:

      GROUP                                           A        B       C          D
      Concentration of microplastics (ppm)            0        10      50        100

      Scientists further:
      • Placed the samples/beakers under the same light and temperature
          conditions.
      • Measured the rate of photosynthesis in the algae over a few days by using
          dissolved oxygen production, carbon dioxide uptake and chlorophyll
          fluorescence (red glow of excess energy given off by chlorophyll which is
          not used in photosynthesis).

      The results of this investigation are tabulated below.

      GROUP                                    A           B          C          D
      Rate of photosynthesis (%)             100%         85%        67%        53%

      3.3.1   For this investigation, identify the:

              (a)    Independent variable                                                  (1)

              (b)    Dependent variable                                                    (1)

      3.3.2   State THREE ways in which the variable identified in
              QUESTION 3.3.1(b) was measured.                                              (3)

      3.3.3   Explain the purpose of:

              (a)    Including group A in this investigation                               (2)

              (b)    Placing the beakers under the same light and temperature
                     condition during this investigation                                   (2)

      3.3.4   Draw a bar graph to represent the rate of photosynthesis in the groups
              with microplastics.                                                          (6)

      3.3.5   Use the information in the table to explain how microplastics could
              negatively affect food security.                                             (2)

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### Page 17

(EC/NOVEMBER 2025)                       LIFE SCIENCES P2                                  17

3.4 Read the extract below.

       THE CLOWNFISH AND THE SEA ANEMONE SYMBIOTIC RELATIONSHIP

     The sea anemone has stinging tentacles made of nematocysts cells that it uses
     to catch prey. These tentacles release and inject a powerful venom into prey,
     which paralyses and kills the animal when in contact. This enables the sea
     anemone to use these tentacles to move food into its central single digestive
     opening.

     The clownfish has found shelter in the sea anemone that allows it to escape
     predators by living and breeding within the sea anemone tentacles. The clownfish
     secrete a special mucus layer on their skin that protect them from the stinging
     tentacles of the sea anemone. The clownfish feeds on the leftovers from the sea
     anemone meals, helping to clean the tentacles. A limited number of sea
     anemones often leads to the death of many clownfish.

     3.4.1    Name and describe the symbiotic relationship that exists between the sea
              anemone and the clownfish.                                                    (2)

     3.4.2    Name TWO other symbiotic relationships that occur in species within
              ecosystems.                                                                   (2)

     3.4.3    From the extract above, give evidence of a:

              (a)    Poisonous secretion of the sea anemone.                                (1)

              (b)    Defence strategy of the clownfish from the sea anemone tentacles.      (1)

              (c)    Blind gut in the sea anemone.                                          (1)

     3.4.4    Explain how intraspecific competition in clownfish prevents their
              population size from exceeding the carrying capacity in the ecosystem.        (5)
                                                                                           [50]

                                                                 TOTAL SECTION B:          100
                                                                    GRAND TOTAL:           150

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