LIFE SCIENCES

GRADE 12

WINTER CLASSES

TOPICS: EVOLUTION

POST – TEST

TOTAL: 50

TIME: 60 Minutes

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.

SECTION A
QUESTION 1

1.1 Select the correct answer and write answer in the space provided

1.1.1 A hummingbird uses its long beak to feed on the nectar in flowers. The reason that
Lamarck would have provided for the long beak of the hummingbird is that…

A all hummingbirds have the same beak length.

B there is natural variation in beak length and some birds are therefore
better suited to feed on nectar.
C the more the hummingbird used its beak, the longer it grew.
D hummingbirds with shorter beaks were more fit for survival.

QUESTIONS 1.1.2 AND 1.1.3 ARE BASED ON THE GRAPH BELOW, WHICH
SHOWS THE COMPARISON OF DNA BETWEEN SPECIES A AND SPECIES B,
C, D AND E.

A and B A and C A and D A and E

Species

1.1.2 Which statement is a valid conclusion that can be drawn from this
graph? Species A is most closely related to …
A species B.
B species C.
C species D.
D species E.
 1.1.3 The percentage DNA similarities between species could be used to show
the following;

(i) Similarities in protein synthesis

(ii) Evidence for evolution
(iii) Common ancestry

Which combination shows the CORRECT application of the use of

similarities in DNA between species?

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

B Only (i) and (ii)
C Only (ii) and (iii)
D Only (i) and (iii) (3 x 2) (6)

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 1.2.2).
1.2.1 The permanent disappearance of a species from earth

1.2.2 A testable statement that may be accepted or rejected (2 x 1) (2)

1.3 The diagram below represents the possible evolution of the horse.

1.3.1 Name the:

(a) Common ancestor of all horses. (1)
(b) Genus most closely related to Megahippus. (1)

1.3.2 When did Paleotherium become extinct? (2)

1.3.3 How long did it take for the modern horse to evolve from Hyracotherium?
(2)
(6)

TOTAL SECTION A: 14
POST-TEST FOR GRADE 12 - LIFE SCIENCES: EVOLUTION 1
SECTION B
QUESTION 2

2.1 Describe the theory of evolution by natural selection. (7)

2.2
The present day distribution of three closely related species of the dog
family, the coyote, jackal and dingo, is shown on the world map below.

2.2.1 What type of evidence for evolution is represented here? (1)

2.2.2 What is a biological species? (3)

2.2.3 Describe how these three species could have evolved from a (6)
common ancestor.
(10)

TOTAL QUESTION 2: 17

POST-TEST FOR GRADE 12 - LIFE SCIENCES: EVOLUTION 2

QUESTION 3

3.1 A scientist studied the features of the leaves in the species of a xerophyte.
Xerophytes are plants that are adapted to live in dry environments.

The graph below shows the variation in the type of leaf spike in the species
xerophyte.

3.1.1 Name the type of variation displayed in the graph shown. (1)

3.1.2 Give a reason for your answer to QUESTION 3.4.1. (2)

3.1.3 Give ONE characteristic in humans that displays the type of

variation displayed in the graph. (1)
(4)

3.2 The diagram below represents the pelvic structure and the ventral view of
the skulls of three organisms. The diagrams are drawn to scale.

POST-TEST FOR GRADE 12 - LIFE SCIENCES: EVOLUTION 3

 3.2.1 Write the LETTER(S) of the diagrams that represent the:
(a) Skulls of bipedal organisms (2)
(b) Pelvic structure of a bipedal organism (1)

3.2.2 Give a reason for your answer to question 3.2.1. (b). (2)

3.2.3 Describe ONE other structural difference between a bipedal and

a quadrupedal organism. (3)
(8)

3.3 The diagram below shows the possible relationships between members of
the family Hominidae.

3.3.1 Give the name of the type of diagram above. (1)

3.3.2 State how many of each of the following are represented in the
diagram.
(a) Genera (1)
(b) Species (1)

3.3.3 Explain why A. robustus and A. boisei are more closely related
than A. boisei and A. aferensis. (2)

3.3.4 Give the scientific name of the species that were first to use tools. (1)

3.3.5 Which species is the are still in existence today? (1)

(7)
TOTAL QUESTION 3: 19
POST-TEST FOR GRADE 12 - LIFE SCIENCES: EVOLUTION 4