DBE · Grade 12

Grade 12 Life Sciences is two different exams

Paper 1 and Paper 2 test entirely different topics. Here is where all 300 marks sit — so when time is short, you know which one to open.

Each block is sized to its marks · tap any topic to practise it

Paper 1

150 marks

Responding to the Environment (Humans)5436%Human Reproduction4127%Endocrine System & Homeostasis3423%Responding to the Environment (Plants)139%Reproduction in Vertebrates85%

Evolution, Genetics & Inheritance and 2 more aren't in this paper — they're Paper 2 only.

Paper 2

150 marks

Evolution5436%Genetics & Inheritance4832%DNA: The Code of Life2718%Meiosis2114%

Responding to the Environment (Humans), Human Reproduction and 3 more aren't in this paper — they're Paper 1 only.

Paper 2 is the tighter exam — Evolution, Genetics & Inheritance and DNA: The Code of Life carry 129 of its 150 marks. Paper 1 spreads across 5 topics, so no single one can sink you.

Mark allocations from CAPS Life Sciences + DBE ATPs + Grade 12 Examination Guidelines. Last checked 2026-06-16.

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Practise Grade 12 Life Sciences papers