Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
How would living things most likely be affected if there were a shortage of water on Earth?
A
Organisms would switch to using carbon dioxide instead of water for metabolic reactions.
B
Living things would adapt immediately and not be affected by the shortage.
C
Many organisms would struggle to survive because water is essential for cellular processes.
D
There would be no impact on living things, as water is not required for life.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the role of water in biological systems. Water is a universal solvent and is essential for many cellular processes, including chemical reactions, nutrient transport, and temperature regulation.
Step 2: Recognize that water is a key component in metabolic reactions, such as hydrolysis and dehydration synthesis, which are critical for breaking down and building macromolecules like proteins, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids.
Step 3: Consider the importance of water in maintaining homeostasis. Water helps regulate body temperature, supports cellular structure, and facilitates the removal of waste products through processes like excretion and sweating.
Step 4: Evaluate the impact of a water shortage on organisms. Many organisms rely on water for survival, and a lack of water would disrupt cellular processes, leading to dehydration, impaired metabolism, and potentially death.
Step 5: Conclude that water is indispensable for life, and a shortage would severely affect living organisms, as they cannot adapt immediately or replace water with other substances like carbon dioxide for metabolic reactions.