Which property of water allows aquatic life to survive in lakes during the winter by preventing the entire body of water from freezing?

• A. Water is a universal solvent.
• B. Water has a high specific heat capacity.
• C. Water is less dense as a solid than as a liquid.
• D. Water has a high surface tension.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the unique property of water that is relevant to the survival of aquatic life in winter conditions.
2. Consider the fact that water expands and becomes less dense when it freezes, forming ice.
3. Understand that because ice is less dense than liquid water, it floats on the surface of bodies of water.
4. Recognize that the floating ice layer insulates the water below, preventing the entire body of water from freezing solid.
5. Conclude that this property allows aquatic life to survive beneath the ice layer during winter, as the water below remains liquid.