Reproduction in Human Beings

29 Grade 8 Integrated Science questions on Reproduction in Human Beings, with worked marking schemes. 29 questions are available on this topic in full.

1. Question 1

   1 mark

   Which of the following is a method of preventing teenage pregnancy?

   A. Peer pressure

   B. Skipping school

   C. Abstinence

   D. Drug abuse

   (1 mark)

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2. Question 2

   1 mark

   During puberty, which change is common to BOTH boys and girls?

   A. Enlargement of the breasts

   B. Development of the menstrual cycle

   C. Enlargement of the testes

   D. Growth of pubic and armpit hair

   (1 mark)

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3. Question 3

   1 mark

   The fusion of a sperm and an ovum is called

   A. fertilisation

   B. implantation

   C. ovulation

   D. menstruation

   (1 mark)

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4. Question 4

   4 marks

   (a) Name the male and the female reproductive (sex) cells (gametes) in human beings. (2 marks)

   (b) State the name given to the fusion of the male and female gametes, and name the cell formed immediately after this process. (2 marks)

   (4 marks)

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5. Question 5

   1 mark

   In which part of the female reproductive system does fertilisation of the egg normally take place?

   A. Uterus

   B. Vagina

   C. Oviduct (fallopian tube)

   D. Cervix

   (1 mark)

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6. Question 6

   1 mark

   The placenta is important during pregnancy because it

   A. protects the baby from diseases only

   B. provides nutrients and oxygen to the developing baby

   C. helps the baby breathe air directly

   D. stores food for the mother

   (1 mark)

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7. Question 7

   1 mark

   Which part of the female reproductive system is where the baby develops during pregnancy?

   A. Oviduct

   B. Vagina

   C. Ovary

   D. Uterus (womb)

   (1 mark)

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8. Question 8

   4 marks

   Puberty is an important stage in the life of an adolescent.

   (a) State two emotional or social changes that an adolescent may experience during puberty. (2 marks)

   (b) State two ways a young person can cope positively with the changes of adolescence. (2 marks)

   (4 marks)

   Marking scheme

   (a) Any two emotional/social changes: mood swings/changing emotions; increased interest in the opposite sex; desire for independence; self-consciousness about body image; peer influence/pressure (1 mark each, max 2). (b) Any two coping ways: seek guidance from parents/teachers/counsellors; maintain good personal hygiene; choose good friends/avoid negative peer pressure; engage in games/sports and constructive activities; get correct information about the changes (1 mark each, max 2).

9. Question 9

   3 marks

   State three ways of preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS.

   (3 marks)

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10. Question 10

    1 mark

    A young girl notices that her monthly menstrual periods have begun. This is one of the signs that she has reached:

    A. Fertilisation

    B. Old age

    C. Puberty (adolescence)

    D. Infancy

    (1 mark)

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11. Question 11

    1 mark

    Which of the following is an effect of HIV/AIDS on the body?

    A. It improves eyesight

    B. It weakens the immune system

    C. It strengthens the bones

    D. It increases appetite

    (1 mark)

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12. Question 12

    4 marks

    The diagram of the female reproductive system shows the ovary, oviduct and uterus.

    (a) State the function of the ovary. (1 mark)

    (b) State the function of the oviduct (fallopian tube). (2 marks)

    (c) Name the part where a fertilised egg develops into a baby. (1 mark)

    (4 marks)

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13. Question 13

    1 mark

    Which of the following is a secondary sexual characteristic that develops in boys during puberty?

    A. Loss of milk teeth

    B. Development of the pancreas

    C. Deepening (breaking) of the voice

    D. Growth of the appendix

    (1 mark)

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14. Question 14

    3 marks

    Menstruation is part of the menstrual cycle in females.

    (a) Explain what happens during menstruation. (2 marks)

    (b) State one way a girl can maintain good personal hygiene during menstruation. (1 mark)

    (3 marks)

    Marking scheme

    (a) During menstruation the thickened lining of the uterus (together with the unfertilised egg and some blood) breaks down and is shed/passed out through the vagina because no fertilisation/pregnancy has occurred - 2 marks. (b) Any one: change sanitary towels/pads regularly; bathe/wash the genital area with clean water regularly; dispose of used pads properly - 1 mark.

15. Question 15

    5 marks

    Describe the stages of human development from fertilisation to birth.

    (5 marks)

    Marking scheme

    1. Fertilisation: Sperm fuses with ovum in the fallopian tube to form a zygote.

    2. Cell division: The zygote divides rapidly as it moves to the uterus.

    3. Implantation: The embryo attaches to the uterine wall.

    4. Growth: The embryo develops into a foetus, nourished by the placenta.

    5. Birth: After about 40 weeks, the baby is born through labour and delivery.

16. Question 16

    1 mark

    After fertilisation, the developing embryo attaches itself to the wall of the uterus. This process is known as:

    A. Ejaculation

    B. Ovulation

    C. Implantation

    D. Menstruation

    (1 mark)

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17. Question 17

    5 marks

    A Grade 8 learner asks the teacher what happens from the time an egg is released until pregnancy begins.

    (a) Define fertilisation. (2 marks)

    (b) Describe what happens to the fertilised egg immediately after fertilisation up to implantation. (3 marks)

    (5 marks)

    Marking scheme

    (a) Fertilisation is the fusion/union of a sperm cell (male gamete) and an egg/ovum (female gamete) to form a zygote - 2 marks. (b) The zygote divides repeatedly to form a ball of cells (embryo) as it moves down the oviduct towards the uterus; it then attaches to (embeds in) the wall of the uterus in a process called implantation, marking the start of pregnancy - 3 marks.

18. Question 18

    1 mark

    The normal gestation period in humans is approximately

    A. 6 months

    B. 3 months

    C. 9 months (40 weeks)

    D. 12 months

    (1 mark)

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19. Question 19

    4 marks

    Adolescents experience many changes during puberty.

    (a) State two secondary sexual characteristics that develop in girls during puberty. (2 marks)

    (b) State two secondary sexual characteristics that develop in boys during puberty. (2 marks)

    (4 marks)

    Marking scheme

    (a) Any two for girls: enlargement/development of breasts; widening of the hips; growth of pubic and armpit hair; onset of menstruation; skin becomes oily/pimples (1 mark each, max 2). (b) Any two for boys: deepening/breaking of the voice; growth of facial/pubic/armpit/chest hair; enlargement of the testes and penis; broadening of shoulders; wet dreams; skin becomes oily (1 mark each, max 2).

20. Question 20

    1 mark

    After fertilisation, the fertilised egg (zygote) attaches to the wall of the uterus. This process is called

    A. menstruation

    B. implantation

    C. gestation

    D. ovulation

    (1 mark)

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21. Question 21

    4 marks

    (a) Name the male and female gametes in human beings. (2 marks)

    (b) State the part of the female reproductive system where:

    (i) fertilisation takes place (ii) the foetus develops. (2 marks)

    (4 marks)

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22. Question 22

    1 mark

    The structure that connects the developing foetus to the placenta and carries food and oxygen to it is the:

    A. Umbilical cord

    B. Urethra

    C. Oviduct

    D. Cervix

    (1 mark)

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23. Question 23

    4 marks

    (a) Name the male and female sex cells (gametes) in human beings. (2 marks)

    (b) State the function of the following parts of the female reproductive system:

    (i) Ovary (1 mark)

    (ii) Uterus (womb) (1 mark)

    (4 marks)

    Marking scheme

    (a) The male sex cell (gamete) is the sperm (spermatozoon); the female sex cell (gamete) is the ovum (egg cell). (b) (i) The ovary produces the female sex cells (ova/eggs) and female sex hormones (oestrogen/progesterone). (ii) The uterus (womb) is where the fertilised egg is implanted and where the embryo/foetus develops until birth.

24. Question 24

    1 mark

    Which part of the male reproductive system is responsible for producing sperm cells?

    A. Urethra

    B. Testes

    C. Prostate gland

    D. Scrotum

    (1 mark)

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25. Question 25

    4 marks

    (a) Name the male and female sex cells (gametes) in human beings. (2 marks)

    (b) State the process by which the male and female gametes join to form a zygote. (1 mark)

    (c) Name the organ in which the foetus develops in the female. (1 mark)

    (4 marks)

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26. Question 26

    1 mark

    Which of the following personal hygiene practices is important for a girl during her menstrual period?

    A. Wearing the same pad the whole week

    B. Skipping all meals for the day

    C. Avoiding drinking any water

    D. Changing sanitary towels regularly

    (1 mark)

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27. Question 27

    4 marks

    During pregnancy the developing foetus depends on the mother for survival.

    (a) State the function of the placenta. (2 marks)

    (b) State two substances that pass from the mother to the foetus through the umbilical cord. (2 marks)

    (4 marks)

    Marking scheme

    (a) The placenta allows the exchange of materials between the mother's blood and the foetus - it supplies food/nutrients and oxygen to the foetus and removes waste products (e.g. carbon dioxide) from the foetus - 2 marks. (b) Any two: oxygen; food/nutrients (glucose, amino acids, vitamins, mineral salts); water - 1 mark each, max 2.

28. Question 28

    1 mark

    The union of a sperm cell and an egg (ovum) to form a zygote is called:

    A. Ovulation

    B. Implantation

    C. Menstruation

    D. Fertilisation

    (1 mark)

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29. Question 29

    1 mark

    The release of a mature egg from the ovary each month is called:

    A. Menstruation

    B. Implantation

    C. Ovulation

    D. Fertilisation

    (1 mark)

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