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Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the effect of water's cohesion on living organisms?
A
It enables water molecules to stick together, resulting in surface tension that allows small insects to walk on water.
B
It allows water to move upward through plant vessels via capillary action.
C
It allows water to resist changes in temperature, helping organisms maintain homeostasis.
D
It causes water to dissolve a wide variety of substances, making it an excellent solvent.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of water's cohesion: Cohesion refers to the attraction between water molecules due to hydrogen bonding. This property is crucial for many biological processes.
Analyze the first option: Surface tension is a result of water's cohesive forces. These forces create a 'film' on the surface of water, enabling small insects to walk on it. This is a direct effect of cohesion.
Analyze the second option: Water's cohesion contributes to capillary action, which allows water to move upward through plant vessels (xylem). Cohesion works together with adhesion (attraction between water and other surfaces) to enable this process.
Analyze the third option: Water's ability to resist temperature changes is primarily due to its high specific heat capacity, which is related to hydrogen bonding but not directly tied to cohesion. This property helps organisms maintain homeostasis.
Analyze the fourth option: Water's ability to dissolve substances is due to its polarity, not cohesion. Polarity allows water molecules to surround and interact with charged or polar substances, making it an excellent solvent.