GRADE 10

LIFE SCIENCES - DBE

TERM 2
MID-YEAR EXAM

PAPER 1

26 May 2022

EXAMINER: Eureka Smit MODERATOR: I. Demirtas

TOTAL MARK 120

TIME: 120 MIN.

This question paper consists of 13 pages.

For Educator’s use only

Question Possible Mark Marks achieved
1
40
2
27
3
45
4
8

120
Total %
GRADE 10 LIFE SCIENCES 2022

INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION

READ THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY.

1. Write your name on each page of folio paper.

2. Read and understand all the questions carefully before you answer.

3. Try to answer ALL the questions.

4. Write ALL the answers in pen on folio paper.

5. Answer each question according to its mark allocation.

6. Number all your answers correctly as per the questions in this paper.

7. Present your answers according to the instructions of each question.

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

9. Use a pencil for all drawings, sketches, labels and graphs.

10. The diagrams in this question paper are NOT necessarily drawn to scale.

11. You may use a non-programmable calculator where necessary.

12. No cell phones are allowed except scanning and uploading (if needed).

13. Write neatly and legibly for marking purposes.

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GRADE 10 LIFE SCIENCES 2022

SECTION A:

QUESTION 1.1: MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

Various possible options are provided as answers to the following questions. Choose the correct
answer and write only the letter (A - D) next to the question number (1.1.1 - 1.1.7) in the answer
book, for example 1.1.10 D

1.1.1 The biotic component of an ecosystem is its ...

A. plants and animals.

B. nitrogen.
C. temperature.
D. mineral salts.

1.1.2 The five-kingdom classification, was suggested by ...

A. Mayer.
B. Linnaeus.
C. Pasteur.
D. Darwin.

1.1.3 Which of the following processes occur during the nitrogen cycle?

(i) Consumption of plant protein by herbivores.

(ii) The decay of dead organisms by decomposers.
(iii) Factories and cars produce carbon that is released into the air.
(iv) The absorption of nitrates by plants.

A. (i), (ii) and (iii)

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

1.1.4 When a jackal kills and eats a rabbit, the jackal is the ...

A. producer.
B. prey
C. predator.
D. saprophyte.

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GRADE 10 LIFE SCIENCES 2022

1.1.5 The close relationship between two different organisms, is called ...

A. ecology.
B. symbiosis.
C. predation.
D. a food chain.

1.1.6 Organisms that live in water, are called ...

A. terrestrial.
B. xerophytes
C. buoyant.
D. aquatic.

1.1.7 Which system of classification gives every species a two-part name?

A. Taxonomic system.
B. Hierarchical system.
C. Two-kingdom system
D. Binomial system.
(7 x 2) = [14]

QUESTION 1.2: ONE-WORD ITEMS - BIOLOGICAL TERMS

Give the correct biological term for each of the following descriptions. Write only the term next to
the question number (1.2.1 – 1.2.6) in your folio paper, e.g. 1.2.11: mitosis

1.2.1 The gas that makes up the highest percentage of the atmosphere.

1.2.2 Organisms that do not have a true nucleus or cell organelles.

1.2.3 Several food chains linked to one another.

1.2.4 The remains of an organism that have been preserved in rocks.

1.2.5 The sorting and grouping of things according to similarities and differences.

1.2.6 Kingdom into which TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) fall.

(6 x 1) = [6]

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GRADE 10 LIFE SCIENCES 2022

QUESTION 1.3: MATCHING - BIOLOGICAL TERMS

Indicate whether each of the statements in COLUMN I applies 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 1.3.10) on your folio paper, e.g. 1.3.11: NONE.

COLUMN I COLUMN II
1.3.1 Organism that feed on dead or A: Saprophytes
decaying matter. B: Carnivores
1.3.2 Organisms found during the Cambrian A: Pterosaurs
Period. B: Trilobites
1.3.3 The part of the Earth where life is found. A: Atmosphere
B: Hydrosphere
1.3.4 Loss of water in vapour form. A: Transpiration
B: Evaporation
1.3.5 When carbon dioxide is removed from A: Respiration
the atmosphere. B: Photosynthesis
1.3.6 Species found only in one specific area A: Alien
and nowhere else in the world. B: Endemic
1.3.7 Which one of the following is considered A: Coelacanth
to be a living fossil. B: Ostrich
1.3.8 Possible cause of the sixth mass extinction. A: Global Warming
B: Human Impact
1.3.9 Initially 200 million years ago the continents A: Pangea
were fused into a supercontinent with this B: Laurasia
name.
1.3.10 Continental drift possibly led to. A: Volcanic activity
B: Ice ages

(10 x 2) = [20]

QUESTION 1: 40 Marks

TOTAL SECTION A: 40 MARKS

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GRADE 10 LIFE SCIENCES 2022

SECTION B:

QUESTION 2

Figure 1 represents the geological timescale of life on earth, and Figure 2 the five mass
extinctions that have occurred. Study figure 1 and 2 below and answer the questions that follow.
Figure 1

(Image taken from: Geological Timescale Grade 10 Module 4: History of Life on Earth https://digital.curro.co.za/course/view.php?id=816)

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GRADE 10 LIFE SCIENCES 2022

Figure 2

(Image taken from: Life Sciences Exam Grade 10 Curro Thatchfield 2016)

2.1.1 How many years ago did the 2nd mass extinction occur? (1)

2.1.2 Which extinction caused that approximately 90% of all life was wiped out? (1)

2.1.3 During which period did the extinction of the large mammals occur? (1)

2.1.4 The extinction that occurred at the end of the Cretaceous period was a significant
event in the history of the earth. Explain where this may have happened and how
it led to so many deaths. (3)

2.1.5 Scientists believe that we are currently in the sixth and biggest mass extinction.
The cause of this is the negative effect of humans on the environment. Name two
causes. (2)
[8]

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GRADE 10 LIFE SCIENCES 2022

2.2 Study the image of the Archeopteryx fossil and accompanying diagram below and then
answer the questions that follow.

(Image taken from : https://museum.wales/articles/1011/Archaeopteryx-)

2.2.1 In which period did the Archeopteryx live? (Hint: use Figure 1 to assist you) (1)

2.2.2 How long ago did the Archeopteryx live? (1)

2.2.3 Between which TWO groups of vertebrates does the Archeopteryx probably fit? (2)

2.2.4 What is a fossil that occurs between two groups called? (1)

2.2.5 Name THREE reptile-like characteristics of the Archeopteryx. (3)

2.2.6 Recent research claims that the Archeopteryx did not use its feathers for flying.
What did Archeopteryx use the feathers for? (1)
[9]

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GRADE 10 LIFE SCIENCES 2022

2.3 Study the map of South Africa below showing the different biomes and then answer
the questions that follow.

(Image from: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Map-of-South-Africa)

2.3.1 Define the term ‘biome’. (2)

2.3.2 Name biomes C and D. (2)

2.3.3 Give the LETTER ONLY of the biome where:

2.3.3.1 We would see fynbos vegetation. (1)

2.3.3.2 We would see the “big five”. (1)

2.2.4 Describe the climate of the Fynbos biome. (2)

2.3.5 Biome F is the Succulent Karoo. Explain TWO adaptations that allow plants to
survive there. (2)

[10]

QUESTION 2: 27 Marks

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GRADE 10 LIFE SCIENCES 2022

QUESTION 3

3.1 Read the following case study on the Blue Crane that is a critically endangered species
and answer the questions that follow:

The Blue Crane lives in dry mountain grasslands. They make their nests on the ground.
They eat grass seeds, shoots, and animals such as insects and reptiles, frogs and fish
found in or near grasslands. In the winter, they move from the mountains to the grasslands
at lower altitudes where it is warmer. Grasslands are important agricultural land. They are
often replaced by crops, pastures, or plantations of trees. Grasslands are also popular
areas for the development of small farms. The Blue Crane can no longer live and breed in
the areas where people's activities have removed its habitat.
(Abstract from: Grade 10 Life Sciences Paper 2 Department of Basic Education
https://learn.mindset.africa/sites/default/files/resourcelib/emshare-exam-resource/9402.pdf)

3.1.1 What is the most important part of the Blue Crane habitat? (1)
3.1.2 Explain your answer in QUESTION 3.1.1. (2)

3.1.3 List THREE ways in which the Blue Crane habitat is being lost or reduced. (3)
3.1.4 Why is the Blue Crane listed as a critically endangered species? (2)

3.1.5 Explain how habitat loss and the reduction in the number of the Blue Cranes can
change the energy flow and energy relationships in the ecosystem. (3)
3.1.6 How can the Blue Crane be saved from extinction? (3)

3.1.7 Give TWO reasons why we should conserve biodiversity in South Africa. (2)
3.1.8 In a zoo, animals are kept in captivity and attempts are made to ensure that
the conditions are suited to their needs. Explain the extent to which the existence
of zoos influences people's awareness of the need for conservation. (4)

[20]

(Image from: https://ebird.org/species/blucra2)

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GRADE 10 LIFE SCIENCES 2022

3.2 Read the passage and study the diagram to answer the questions.
Acid rain is not a new phenomenon. It was first noticed in the 1800’s in regions where the industrial
revolution began. Buildings in areas with heavy industrial activity, were being worn away by rain.
More correctly termed acid deposition, it can fall to earth as rain, snow, or sleet as well as dry,
sulphate-containing particles that settle out of the air. It is a problem that crosses international
borders. Gases from coal burning power stations in England fall as acid rain in Norway and
Sweden, emissions from the United States produce acid deposition in Canada, while Japan
receives acid rain from China. The effect of this fallout is to produce lakes that are so acid, that
they cannot support fish, and forests with sickly stunted tree growth. Acid rain also causes the
release of heavy metals, e.g., cadmium and mercury into the food chain.

(From: Advanced Biology 2; R Allan and T Greenwood. 2000)

3.2.1 What is the more correctly term given to acid rain? (1)

3.2.2 Name two heavy metals released into the environment due to acid rain. (2)

3.2.3 Describe the effect of acid deposition on communities of living organisms. (2)

3.2.4 Which species is the most sensitive to acid conditions? (1)

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GRADE 10 LIFE SCIENCES 2022

3.2.5 Which species is the most tolerant to acid conditions? (1)

3.2.6 Which species can live in pH level of 4.6 and lower? (2)

3.2.7 Explain how you could use these kinds of measurements as an indicator of the
‘health’ of a lake. (3)

3.2.8 Describe some of the measures that could be taken to reduce acid emissions. (3)

[15]

3.3 Study the diagram showing the nitrogen cycle below and answer the questions
that follow.

(image from http://abacus.bates.edu/acad/depts/biobook/Earth53.htm)

3.3.1 Name the nitrogenous compounds represented by labels A, B, and C. (3)

3.3.2 Name the process labelled D, by which nitrogen is returned to the atmosphere. (2)

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GRADE 10 LIFE SCIENCES 2022

3.3.3 Name the plants labelled E, that forms a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen
fixing bacteria. (2)

3.3.4 Name the weather phenomenon, labelled F, that is responsible for forming small
amounts of nitrates in the atmosphere. (1)

3.3.5 What TWO organic compounds are made by using nitrogen. (2)
[10]

QUESTION 3: 45 Marks

QUESTION 4:

The table below shows the results of a study that investigated the percentage of endemic species
in the Cape Floristic region.

Type of Organism Percentage of endemic species

Plants 69%
Mammals 4%
Birds 2%
Reptiles 22%
Amphibians 35%
Freshwater fishes 41%

(Adapted from: Focus On Life Sciences Grade 10 Clitheroe et al., (2015) Maskew, Miller and Longman)

4.1 Plot a graph on the same system of axes showing the results of this study (5)

4.2 There are quite a variety of organisms in this table that falls into its own kingdom. What
kingdom would that be? (1)

4.3 The disease that cause Malaria is found near fresh-water sources

4.3.1 To which kingdom does Plasmodium falciparum (Malaria) belong. (1)

4.3.2 Name ONE positive contribution of this kingdom. (1)

[8]

QUESTION 4: 8 Marks

TOTAL SECTION B: 80 MARKS

GRAND TOTAL: 120 MARKS

GOOD LUCK!

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