What does the fact that minor changes in water temperature can kill entire species suggest about the thermal properties of water?

• A. Water has a high specific heat capacity, so organisms are adapted to stable temperatures.
• B. Water's temperature is primarily regulated by dissolved salts.
• C. Water's thermal properties have little effect on aquatic life.
• D. Water easily changes temperature, making aquatic environments highly variable.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of specific heat capacity: Specific heat capacity is the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of a substance by 1 degree Celsius. Water has a high specific heat capacity, meaning it can absorb or release a large amount of heat with only a small change in its temperature.
2. Relate specific heat capacity to aquatic environments: Because water's temperature changes slowly, aquatic environments tend to have stable temperatures. This stability is crucial for the survival of aquatic organisms, as they are often adapted to narrow temperature ranges.
3. Analyze the impact of temperature changes: Minor changes in water temperature can disrupt the delicate balance of aquatic ecosystems, potentially leading to the death of species that cannot tolerate the new conditions. This highlights the importance of water's thermal properties in maintaining life.
4. Evaluate the provided options: The correct answer should align with the idea that water's high specific heat capacity contributes to stable temperatures, which are essential for aquatic life. Eliminate options that contradict this concept, such as those suggesting water's thermal properties have little effect or that water easily changes temperature.
5. Select the correct answer: Based on the explanation, the correct answer is 'Water has a high specific heat capacity, so organisms are adapted to stable temperatures.' This aligns with the biological significance of water's thermal properties.