IS1: Properties of Water and Early Life on Earth

What does the high heat capacity of water mean?

• Water heats up and cools down very quickly.

• Water can absorb or release a large amount of heat with little change in its own temperature.

• Water can only absorb a small amount of heat before it begins to boil.

• Water releases heat when it freezes.

Why is water's high heat capacity important for life on Earth?

• It allows for the rapid heating of the oceans.

• It prevents large fluctuations in temperature, creating a stable environment.

• It makes water boil at a lower temperature.

• It causes water to freeze at higher temperatures.

How does light transcendence in water affect aquatic life?

• It causes water to heat up too much, harming aquatic life.

• It allows photosynthesis to occur at deeper levels in the ocean.

• It makes the water too cold for most aquatic life.

• It prevents any form of life from existing in water.

What happens to water when it freezes?

• It contracts and becomes denser.

• It expands and becomes less dense.

• It remains the same density.

• It turns into vapor.

Why is the expansion of water when it freezes important for aquatic ecosystems in winter?

• It causes all aquatic life to freeze and die.

• It allows ice to form on the surface, insulating the water below and protecting aquatic life.

• It increases the temperature of the water.

• It makes the water toxic to fish.

How does water's property as a solvent benefit life on Earth?

• It prevents any substances from dissolving in it.

• It allows for the transport of nutrients and waste in organisms.

• It makes water unable to support aquatic life.

• It decreases the boiling point of water.

What role does water play in the "primordial soup" theory of the origin of life?

• Water acted as a solvent, allowing organic molecules to interact and form more complex structures.

• Water prevented any organic molecules from forming.

• Water destroyed any early forms of life.

• Water had no role in the theory.

Which layer of the ocean is unlikely to have photosynthesis?

• Euphotic Zone

• Aphotic Zone

• Photic Zone

• Dysphotic Zone

Why is the ability of water to dissolve gases important for aquatic life?

• It makes the water too acidic for life.

• It allows oxygen to be available for aquatic organisms to breathe.

• It removes all oxygen from the water.

• It increases the water's temperature.

What is the significance of water's high heat capacity for the climate?

• It causes rapid temperature changes in the environment.

• It contributes to global warming.

• It helps regulate Earth's climate by absorbing and distributing heat.

• It has no effect on the climate.