Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

3. Water

Properties of Water- Thermal

General Biology

3. Water

Properties of Water- Thermal

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Multiple Choice

Why is the temperature fairly constant for land masses surrounded by large bodies of water?

Because water reflects all incoming solar radiation, preventing temperature changes.

Because water freezes at a higher temperature than land, stabilizing the climate.

Because water has a high specific heat capacity, allowing it to absorb and release large amounts of heat with little temperature change.

Because water evaporates quickly, causing rapid cooling and heating of the surrounding land.

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Verified step by step guidance

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 one degree Celsius. Water has a high specific heat capacity compared to other substances, meaning it can absorb and store large amounts of heat without undergoing significant temperature changes.

Recognize the role of water in moderating temperature: Large bodies of water, such as oceans and lakes, absorb heat during the day and release it slowly at night. This process prevents extreme temperature fluctuations in nearby land masses.

Compare water's specific heat capacity to land: Land has a lower specific heat capacity than water, meaning it heats up and cools down more quickly. This difference is why land temperatures can vary more dramatically than those near water.

Consider the impact of water's thermal properties on climate: The high specific heat capacity of water stabilizes the climate in coastal regions, making temperatures more consistent throughout the day and across seasons.

Reject incorrect options: Water does not reflect all incoming solar radiation, nor does it freeze at a higher temperature than land. Additionally, water does not evaporate quickly enough to cause rapid cooling and heating of surrounding land. The correct explanation is tied to water's high specific heat capacity.