Question

In a region with a cold climate the aquatic animals can survive at 4 °C, because _______.

Options

• ice floating on water is insulator

• the heat from water cannot transfer to the atmosphere

• anomalous behaviour of water

• All the above

Answer 1

All the above

Explanation:

Water has a peculiarity property according to which it has maximum density at around 4 degrees Celsius. As we go above or below the mark, the density decreases. Also, the density of ice is lower than that of water. A circulation is thus set up until water in the pond reaches it is maximum density of 4 degrees Celsius.

When at atmospheric temperature reaches 0 degrees Celsius ice begins to form in ponds forming a layer on the top with water below it. If water did not have this property, then it would be impossible for aquatic life to exist in water bodies in cold seasons.

After sufficient thickness of ice is formed it prevents further loss of heat from the bottom layers of water. This is why fishes and other aquatic animals and plants can survive in ponds and other water bodies even when the atmospheric temperature reaches or is well below 0 degrees.