Questions/thoughts about the mnemonic as it relates to BIP39

I’m trying to make sense of it all but I’m not sure I’m succeeding.

I opened Daedalus. I generated a 12-word mnemonic. It told me to make sure I back it up because my funds depend on it. I backed it up.

But then there is the 27-word stuff once you’re in the wallet.

What is it that you can restore with the 27 words but not the 12 words?