NATIONAL

SENIOR CERTIFICATE

GRADE 12

LIFE SCIENCES

ASSIGNMENT (SBA) EXEMPLAR

MARKS: 100

TIME: 1 ½ hours.

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Life Sciences 2 Assignment Exemplar
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INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION

1. Answer ALL questions.

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

3. Draw diagrams and flow charts ONLY when requested to do so.

4. This assignment is to be done under controlled conditions and must be handed

in at the end of the session.

NOTE: If it is not possible to schedule a single 90-minute session for this

assignment, then SECTION A can be done on one day in a 45-minute
session and SECTION B the following day in another 45-minute session.

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Life Sciences 3 Assignment Exemplar
SBA

SECTION A

QUESTION 1

Read the text below and then answer the questions that follow.

REPRODUCTIVE STRATEGIES OF THE BULLFROG

Most amphibians spend at least part of their lives in moist surroundings, and their
fragile, jelly-like eggs are usually laid in water.

In mating and feeding, amphibians are active at night. The courtship call of the bullfrog
attracts females for mating. During mating, the female bullfrog deposits as many as 10
000 eggs into the water and the male simultaneously releases sperm. Fertilisation
occurs externally.

The eggs of most species of bullfrog hatch into tadpoles in 3–5 days. Tadpoles breathe
through gills and metamorphose into air-breathing adults with lungs. Laying eggs in
water prevents drying out and makes it easier for the frog sperm to reach the eggs.

Amphibian eggs appear as small black spots in a gelatinous mass and receive little or
no parental protection. Large numbers of eggs are produced because many are eaten
and changes in the environmental moisture cause many to dehydrate and die. Nearby
plant matter shelters the hatching tadpoles.

1.1 State the type of fertilisation (external or internal) that occurs in bullfrogs and
describe how it occurs. (3)

1.2 State whether reproduction in bullfrogs is viviparous, oviparous or

ovoviviparous. (1)

1.3 Explain your answer to QUESTION 1.2. (2)

1.4 Describe TWO characteristics of a frog’s egg. (2)

1.5 Give TWO reasons suggested in the article for bullfrog eggs to be laid in water. (2)

1.6 Frog eggs are vulnerable to predators, since there is little or no parental
protection.

Explain THREE strategies that ensure a good survival rate of tadpoles. (6)
[16]

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QUESTION 2

The electron micrograph below is that of the human sperm. Study the micrograph and
answer the questions that follow.

1 µm

2.1 Draw a labelled line diagram of the human sperm represented in the electron
micrograph. (6)

2.2 Use the scale line provided to calculate the width of the sperm at its widest
point. (4)

2.3 Explain THREE ways in which the sperm is structurally suited for its role in
fertilisation. (6)
[16]

QUESTION 3

Records of human fertility for the period 1941 to 1990 have shown changes in the
sperm counts of normal men. The table below summarises the changing percentages
of men with high or low sperm counts over a period of 50 years.

TIME PERIOD MEN WITH HIGH SPERM MEN WITH LOW SPERM
COUNTS (%) COUNTS (%)
1941–1950 50 4
1951–1960 45 5
1961–1970 28 11
1971–1980 21 14
1981–1990 15 18

3.1 During which time period was there:

3.1.1 The highest percentage of men with low sperm counts? (1)

3.1.2 The lowest percentage of men with high sperm counts? (1)

3.1.3 The greatest difference between men with high sperm counts and
men with low sperm counts? (1)

3.2 Describe the trend for men with low sperm counts, and compare it with those
with high sperm counts over the period of 50 years. (2)

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3.3 Calculate the percentage increase in men with low sperm counts from 1971 to
1990. (2)

3.4 Suggest TWO reasons for the trend described in QUESTION 3.2. (2)
[9]

QUESTION 4

The table below shows the results of a survey on the use of contraceptives by a
sample of women in a rural area.

CONTRACEPTIVE NUMBER OF WOMEN

Sterilisation 34
Pill 38
Condom 22
Rhythm method 30
None 76
TOTAL 200

Draw a pie chart to show the results of the survey. Show all working. [9]

TOTAL SECTION A: 50

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SECTION B

QUESTION 5

The diagram below shows the changes in the ovary, uterus and level of hormones
during a 28-day menstrual cycle. Study the diagram and answer the questions that
follow.

5.1 Which hormone is responsible for:

5.1.1. Ovulation (1)

5.1.2. Primary (first) thickening of the endometrium (1)

5.2 5.2.1. Menstruation (1)

5.2.2. Ovulation (1)

5.3 Two structures in the ovaries are responsible for the secretion of two female
hormones.

5.3.1. Name the TWO structures and the hormones they secrete. (4)

5.3.2. Give evidence from the graph to support your answer to QUESTION
5.3.1. (4)

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5.4 Explain the interaction that occurs between the hormones FSH and
progesterone and why it is necessary. (3)

5.5 Is the female whose cycle is represented in the diagram, pregnant? (1)

5.6 Give TWO reasons from the graph for your answer to QUESTION 5.5. (2)
[18]

QUESTION 6

The table below shows the average human foetal length of males and females over a
40-week gestation period.

Time (weeks) Foetal length (cm)

Male Female
8 1 1
13 7 7
16 14 13
24 33 31
36 46 43
40 51 49

6.1 Draw TWO sets of bar graphs on the same system of axes to compare male
and female foetal length over time. (9)

6.2 State TWO conclusions that could be drawn from the results in the graph. (4)
[13]

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QUESTION 7

John and Mary have two children. The oldest is Patrick, followed by Anne, a girl. Mary
is pregnant again.

7.1 By representing a genetic cross, show the percentage probability of them

having another daughter. (7)

7.2 Mary and John’s first child is a haemophiliac and they are afraid that their third
child may also have the disorder. Mary is a carrier of haemophilia and John has
the normal clotting factor. An ultrasound scan shows that Mary is expecting a
girl.

Show, using a genetic cross, the percentage probability of their third child
having haemophilia. (7)

7.3 Use the following symbols to construct a simple pedigree diagram showing the
inheritance of haemophilia in this family:

Unaffected female Unaffected male

(no haemophilia) (no haemophilia)

Affected female Affected male

(has haemophilia) (has haemophilia) (5)
[19]

TOTAL SECTION B: 50
GRAND TOTAL: 100

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 NATIONAL
SENIOR CERTIFICATE

GRADE 12

LIFE SCIENCES

ASSIGNMENT (SBA) EXEMPLAR

MARKING GUIDELINE

MARKS: 100

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Life Sciences 2 Assignment Exemplar
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SECTION A

QUESTION 1

1.1 Fertilisation occurs externally 

– Eggs are released into the water and then male releases sperms 
– which fertilise eggs in the water  (3)

1.2 Oviparous  (1)

1.3 – Eggs are laid 

– and the embryos develop outside the mother’s body within the eggs  (2)

1.4 – Eggs are small 

– Eggs are protected by a gelatinous mass and membranes  (2)

1.5 – Prevents drying out 

– Easier for frog sperm to reach the eggs 

1.6 – Large numbers of eggs are produced because many are eaten
– Eggs hatch into tadpoles within 3-5 days
– which ensures that they can swim away from predators
– Nearby plant matter shelters hatching tadpoles
– preventing them from being eaten (6)
[16]

QUESTION 2

2.1

Criterion Mark
Size and proportion 1
Caption 1
Any 4 correct labels 4 (6)

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2.2 1 µm = 4 mm 

Width of sperm = 12 mm = X µm
1 µm = 4 mm

x µm = 12 mm 

x = 3 µm (3)

2.3 – The acrosome produces enzymes 

which help the sperm to penetrate the ovum 

– The middle piece of the sperm contains mitochondria 

that supply the energy for the sperm’s activity 

– A tail is present 
to move the sperm through the seminal fluid  (6)

QUESTION 3

3.1 3.1.1 1981–1990  (1)

3.1.2 1981–1990  (1)

3.1.3 1941–1950  (1)

3.2 Men with low sperm counts have increased  while

men with high sperm counts have decreased  (2)

3.3 % increase = 18- 14 

= 4 % (2)

3.4 – Changed diets/eating more processed foods by men have caused the
change

– Increased stress/changed lifestyle has caused the change (2)

[9]

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Life Sciences 4 Assignment Exemplar
SBA – Marking guideline

QUESTION 4

CALCULATIONS:

34÷200 x 360 = 61,20 (rounded down to 610)

38÷200 x 360 = 68,40 (rounded down to 680)

22÷200 x 360 = 39,60 (rounded up to 400)

30÷200 x 360 = 540

76÷200 x 360 = 136,80 (rounded up to 1370)

Allocation of marks for the graph

Criterion Elaboration Mark

Calculations/working to 3 marks: All five calculations correct
determine the correct 2 marks: 3 to 4 calculations correct 3
proportions 1 mark: 1 to 2 calculations correct
Caption Includes both variables: ‘contraceptives’ and
‘number of rural women’ 1
Proportions accurate for 5 marks: All five sectors correct
each sector labelled (1 x mark/sector) 5 [9]

TOTAL SECTION A: 50

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Life Sciences 5 Assignment Exemplar
SBA – Marking guideline

SECTION B

QUESTION 5

5.1 5.1.1 LH  (1)

5.1.2 Oestrogen  (1)

5.2 5.2.1. 0–7 days  (1)

5.2.2. Day 14  (1)

5.3 5.3.1. – Graafian follicle  - oestrogen 

– Corpus luteum  - progesterone  (4)

5.3.2. – When Graafian follicle is formed 

– there is an increase in oestrogen 

– When corpus luteum is formed 

– there is an increase in progesterone (4)

5.4 – An increase in progesterone level 

– inhibits the release of FSH 
– to prevent FSH from stimulating the development of an ovum 
– since no further ova are required if pregnancy results  (any 3) (3)

5.5 No  (1)

5.6 – Corpus luteum has degenerated 

– Progesterone has decreased 
– FSH started to increase at the end of the cycle  (any 2) (2)
[18]

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Life Sciences 6 Assignment Exemplar
SBA – Marking guideline

QUESTION 6

6.1

Criterion Elaboration Mark

Same system of axes Bar graph drawn on the same system of axes 1
Caption Includes both variables: ‘time’ and ‘foetal 1
length’
Key for graphs Key provided or each graph labelled for
‘males’ and ‘females’ 1
X-axis Correct label and units (Time in weeks) 1
Correct width and interval of bars 1
Y-axis Correct label and units (Foetal length in cm) 1
Correct scale 1
Plotting of bars 1 mark: 1-11 bars plotted correctly
2 marks: all 12 bars plotted correctly 2 (9)

6.2 – Average foetal length of both males and females are the same from 8 to
13 weeks
– Average foetal length of males is greater than the average foetal length of
females from 16 to 40 weeks
– Average foetal length increases for males and females over the 40-week
period  (any 2 x 2) (4)
[13]

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Life Sciences 7 Assignment Exemplar
SBA – Marking guideline

QUESTION 7

7.1 Key Male: XY Female: XX

P1 phenotype Male x Female: 
genotype XY x XX
Meiosis
G1 X, Y X
fertilisation
genotype XX : XY 
phenotype 1 Male : Female
50% probability of being a female*

Allocate marks for the following labels:

P1/parents and F1/offspring

Meiosis and fertilisation (1 compulsory* + 6 others) (7)

7.2 Key Normal: H Haemophiliac : h

P1 phenotype Normal father x Normal mother 

genotype XHY x XHXh 

meiosis
G1 XH ; Y x XH ; Xh 
fertilisation
F1 genotype XH XH, XH Xh, XH Y, Xh Y 
phenotype 2 normal daughters; 1 normal son ; 1 son with
haemophilia
0% probability* of a child with haemophilia
(1 compulsory* + 6 others) (7)

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7.3

John Mary

Patrick Anne

Unaffected female Unaffected male

(no haemophilia) (no haemophilia)

Affected female Affected male

(has haemophilia) (has haemophilia) (5)
[19]

TOTAL SECTION B: 50
GRAND TOTAL: 100

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