1
IMAGES: Canva and AI-generated images based on typical examination-style questions. These notes were compiled using previous examination
papers.. These notes have been compiled using previous exam papers.: WCED Revision Booklet 2025, 2026. @SACAI NOV 2022 2023, 2024, 2025.
Important:
These study notes are revised and updated annually to align with the CAPS curriculum and
current examination requirements. The content is based on past examination papers,
tests and typical assessment question patterns.
The content was adapted and structured for examination preparation purposes. AI tools
were used to assist with formatting, rephrasing and differentiation.
These notes are designed to help learners:
• Understand key concepts
• Practise exam-style questions
• Identify important themes and patterns in assessments
• Revise important content in a structured way
To ensure learners work with the most relevant and up-to-date content, parents and
learners are encouraged to confirm that they are using the latest version of the notes. If you
are unsure whether you have the latest version, please feel free to contact me at:
© 2026 Juffrou Ansie Study Notes. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced or distributed without written permission.
, 2
Please note that these notes are compiled as a structured study aid for examination
preparation. They do not replace the prescribed textbook or classroom instruction.
Important: Learners can use the Term 3 notes for focused Term 3 preparation. Where
applicable, it is also recommended that learners revise Term 1 and Term 2 notes together
with the Term 3 notes.
Good luck
Juffrou Ansie
Content
History of life on Earth 4
Biosphere to Ecosystems 16
Biomes of South Africa 19
• Environment 20
• Ecosystems 24
• Energy flow and trophic levels (food chains, food webs) 30
• Cycles 33
Biodiversity and Classification 39
• Five kingdom system 40
• Binomial naming (Linnaeus) 44
• Use of Latin names 45
• Difference between prokaryotes and eukaryotes 45
Heath, Proteas, Groups of plants and animals found in the fynbos biome
Geometric tortoise,
Cape sugarbird
Global warming An increase in the average temperature of the Earth
Deforestation The removal of trees from a specific area
Trace fossils A type of fossil that shows signs or marks of organisms that lived in
the past, e.g. footprints
Paleontologist A scientist who studies fossils
© 2026 Juffrou Ansie Study Notes. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced or distributed without written permission.
, 3
Pangaea The supercontinent consisting of all the continents joined together
Plate tectonics The theory that the plates of the Earth's crust move over molten
rock.
Atmosphere The layer of air that surrounds the Earth and consists of a mixture of
gases, e.g. nitrogen, oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Lithosphere Refers to the outer surface of the earth, the crust, namely the soil
and rocks.
Hydrosphere The hydrosphere consists of all the water found in, under and on the
surface of the Earth. The hydrosphere includes oceans, rivers, lakes,
etc. The water in the bodies can be freshwater or saltwater
A biome A biome is a specific physical environment that usually spans a large
geographical area.
TWO TYPES OF BIOMES
1. Terrestrial biomes (fynbos, forest, grasslands, savanna,
scrubland, Nama Karoo, succulent Karoo and desert.)
2. Aquatic biomes (water: freshwater and marine (saltwater)
biomes.)
An eco-system An ecosystem is a specific area, e.g. a pond, a forest, etc., that
consists of different living organisms (biotic components) that
interact with each other and their non-living environment (abiotic
components).
Abiotic factors • Physiographic factors – aspect, slope and altitude
• Edaphic (soil) factors – pH, humus content, soil texture, water
holding capacity and soil air
• Light – day length and seasonal changes
• Temperature – effect of day/night and seasons
• Water – water cycle and the importance of wetlands
• Atmospheric gases
• Wind
Ectothermic animals Ectothermic animals (fish, amphibians, reptiles) become inactive
during cold winter temperatures
Deciduous trees Deciduous trees lose their leaves in the autumn to limit
photosynthesis and growth.
Infiltration Some water infiltrates through the upper layers of the soil to the
water table. This process of water being absorbed by the soil is
known as infiltration.
© 2026 Juffrou Ansie Study Notes. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced or distributed without written permission.
, 4
Denitrification The process during which nitrogen gas is released back into the
atmosphere.
Biogeography The study of the distribution of species and ecosystems in
geographical areas and through geological time.
Cradle of Humankind Place where most hominid fossils have been found.
Fynbos This biome is characterized by winter rainfall and the presence of
Protea species.
History of life on Earth
Evidence for Continental Drift
Scientists use fossils as evidence that the continents were once joined.
Examples:
• Lystrosaurus fossils found in Africa, India and Antarctica.
• Mesosaurus fossils found in South America and Africa.
• Glossopteris plant fossils found on several southern continents.
• Similar fossils on different continents support the theory of continental drift and the
existence of Pangaea.
Evidence Used to Reconstruct Earth's History
Scientists use:
• Fossils
• Rock layers (strata)
• Radiometric dating
• Geological time scale
These help determine:
• the age of fossils
• when organisms lived
• how life has changed over time.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Fossils are the silent witnesses of the changes that have taken place over
millions of years. @SACAI NOV 2022
This is the known fossil of Archaeopteryx. It is considered a transitional
fossil.
Reasons why Archaeopteryx is considered a transitional fossil.
• It has characteristics of both birds and reptiles
© 2026 Juffrou Ansie Study Notes. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced or distributed without written permission.
IMAGES: Canva and AI-generated images based on typical examination-style questions. These notes were compiled using previous examination
papers.. These notes have been compiled using previous exam papers.: WCED Revision Booklet 2025, 2026. @SACAI NOV 2022 2023, 2024, 2025.
Important:
These study notes are revised and updated annually to align with the CAPS curriculum and
current examination requirements. The content is based on past examination papers,
tests and typical assessment question patterns.
The content was adapted and structured for examination preparation purposes. AI tools
were used to assist with formatting, rephrasing and differentiation.
These notes are designed to help learners:
• Understand key concepts
• Practise exam-style questions
• Identify important themes and patterns in assessments
• Revise important content in a structured way
To ensure learners work with the most relevant and up-to-date content, parents and
learners are encouraged to confirm that they are using the latest version of the notes. If you
are unsure whether you have the latest version, please feel free to contact me at:
© 2026 Juffrou Ansie Study Notes. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced or distributed without written permission.
, 2
Please note that these notes are compiled as a structured study aid for examination
preparation. They do not replace the prescribed textbook or classroom instruction.
Important: Learners can use the Term 3 notes for focused Term 3 preparation. Where
applicable, it is also recommended that learners revise Term 1 and Term 2 notes together
with the Term 3 notes.
Good luck
Juffrou Ansie
Content
History of life on Earth 4
Biosphere to Ecosystems 16
Biomes of South Africa 19
• Environment 20
• Ecosystems 24
• Energy flow and trophic levels (food chains, food webs) 30
• Cycles 33
Biodiversity and Classification 39
• Five kingdom system 40
• Binomial naming (Linnaeus) 44
• Use of Latin names 45
• Difference between prokaryotes and eukaryotes 45
Heath, Proteas, Groups of plants and animals found in the fynbos biome
Geometric tortoise,
Cape sugarbird
Global warming An increase in the average temperature of the Earth
Deforestation The removal of trees from a specific area
Trace fossils A type of fossil that shows signs or marks of organisms that lived in
the past, e.g. footprints
Paleontologist A scientist who studies fossils
© 2026 Juffrou Ansie Study Notes. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced or distributed without written permission.
, 3
Pangaea The supercontinent consisting of all the continents joined together
Plate tectonics The theory that the plates of the Earth's crust move over molten
rock.
Atmosphere The layer of air that surrounds the Earth and consists of a mixture of
gases, e.g. nitrogen, oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Lithosphere Refers to the outer surface of the earth, the crust, namely the soil
and rocks.
Hydrosphere The hydrosphere consists of all the water found in, under and on the
surface of the Earth. The hydrosphere includes oceans, rivers, lakes,
etc. The water in the bodies can be freshwater or saltwater
A biome A biome is a specific physical environment that usually spans a large
geographical area.
TWO TYPES OF BIOMES
1. Terrestrial biomes (fynbos, forest, grasslands, savanna,
scrubland, Nama Karoo, succulent Karoo and desert.)
2. Aquatic biomes (water: freshwater and marine (saltwater)
biomes.)
An eco-system An ecosystem is a specific area, e.g. a pond, a forest, etc., that
consists of different living organisms (biotic components) that
interact with each other and their non-living environment (abiotic
components).
Abiotic factors • Physiographic factors – aspect, slope and altitude
• Edaphic (soil) factors – pH, humus content, soil texture, water
holding capacity and soil air
• Light – day length and seasonal changes
• Temperature – effect of day/night and seasons
• Water – water cycle and the importance of wetlands
• Atmospheric gases
• Wind
Ectothermic animals Ectothermic animals (fish, amphibians, reptiles) become inactive
during cold winter temperatures
Deciduous trees Deciduous trees lose their leaves in the autumn to limit
photosynthesis and growth.
Infiltration Some water infiltrates through the upper layers of the soil to the
water table. This process of water being absorbed by the soil is
known as infiltration.
© 2026 Juffrou Ansie Study Notes. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced or distributed without written permission.
, 4
Denitrification The process during which nitrogen gas is released back into the
atmosphere.
Biogeography The study of the distribution of species and ecosystems in
geographical areas and through geological time.
Cradle of Humankind Place where most hominid fossils have been found.
Fynbos This biome is characterized by winter rainfall and the presence of
Protea species.
History of life on Earth
Evidence for Continental Drift
Scientists use fossils as evidence that the continents were once joined.
Examples:
• Lystrosaurus fossils found in Africa, India and Antarctica.
• Mesosaurus fossils found in South America and Africa.
• Glossopteris plant fossils found on several southern continents.
• Similar fossils on different continents support the theory of continental drift and the
existence of Pangaea.
Evidence Used to Reconstruct Earth's History
Scientists use:
• Fossils
• Rock layers (strata)
• Radiometric dating
• Geological time scale
These help determine:
• the age of fossils
• when organisms lived
• how life has changed over time.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Fossils are the silent witnesses of the changes that have taken place over
millions of years. @SACAI NOV 2022
This is the known fossil of Archaeopteryx. It is considered a transitional
fossil.
Reasons why Archaeopteryx is considered a transitional fossil.
• It has characteristics of both birds and reptiles
© 2026 Juffrou Ansie Study Notes. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced or distributed without written permission.
