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Multiple Choice
Imagine that organisms consisted of 70–95% alcohol instead of 70–95% water. Alcohol's specific heat is about half that of water. How would living things be different?
A
Organisms would be able to live in a much wider range of temperatures.
B
Living organisms would have to be much smaller.
C
Warm-blooded organisms would require less insulation such as fur or feathers.
D
Systems for temperature regulation would have to be much more efficient.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of specific heat: Specific heat is the amount of heat per unit mass required to raise the temperature by one degree Celsius. Water has a high specific heat, which means it can absorb a lot of heat without a significant change in temperature.
Compare the specific heat of alcohol and water: Alcohol has a specific heat that is about half that of water. This means alcohol heats up and cools down more quickly than water.
Consider the implications for organisms: If organisms were composed of 70-95% alcohol instead of water, their bodies would heat up and cool down more rapidly due to the lower specific heat of alcohol.
Analyze the impact on temperature regulation: Organisms would need more efficient systems for temperature regulation to maintain a stable internal environment, as their bodies would be more susceptible to temperature fluctuations.
Conclude the effect on living organisms: The need for efficient temperature regulation systems would be crucial, as the rapid temperature changes could affect metabolic processes and overall homeostasis.