Why is the property of specific heat important to aquatic life?

• A. It causes water to freeze at a higher temperature, protecting aquatic life from cold.
• B. It allows water to resist rapid temperature changes, providing a stable environment for aquatic organisms.
• C. It makes water a poor solvent, reducing the amount of dissolved nutrients available.
• D. It increases the rate of evaporation, helping aquatic organisms stay cool.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that specific heat is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of a substance by 1 degree Celsius per unit mass. For water, this value is relatively high compared to many other substances.
2. Recognize that because water has a high specific heat, it can absorb or release a large amount of heat with only a small change in its own temperature.
3. Consider how this property affects aquatic environments: water's temperature changes slowly, which means aquatic habitats remain relatively stable even when air temperatures fluctuate.
4. Realize that this temperature stability is crucial for aquatic life because many organisms are sensitive to rapid or extreme temperature changes, which can affect their metabolism and survival.
5. Conclude that the high specific heat of water helps maintain a stable environment, protecting aquatic organisms by preventing sudden temperature shifts that could be harmful.