Importance Of Water Flashcards
What is the key to understanding the evolution of life on Earth?
Water is the key to understanding the evolution of life on Earth as it provides a medium that allows organic molecules to mix and form more complex structures.
Why is liquid water ubiquitous on Earth?
The ubiquity of liquid water on Earth is due to its distance from the Sun, lying in the ‘Goldilocks zone’, which is ‘just right’ for water to exist in its liquid form.
How does Earth compare to Mars in terms of water?
Earth has abundant liquid water, while Mars has water ice and evidence of very small amounts of liquid water flowing on its surface.
What does the presence of liquid water on Mars suggest?
The presence of liquid water on Mars greatly increases the chance of finding life forms on the planet.
How does water help create thermal conditions on Earth?
Water helps to create benign thermal conditions by moderating temperatures, as oceans absorb heat, store it, and release it slowly.
What role do clouds play in moderating temperatures?
Clouds made up of tiny water droplets and ice crystals reflect around a fifth of incoming solar radiation and lower surface temperatures.
How does water vapor affect global temperatures?
Water vapor, a potent greenhouse gas, absorbs long-wave radiation from the Earth, helping to maintain average global temperatures almost 15°C higher than they would be otherwise.
What percentage of all living organisms is made up of water?
Water makes up to 65-95 percent of all living organisms.
Why do plants need water?
Plants need water for photosynthesis, respiration, and transpiration.
What is photosynthesis?
Photosynthesis takes place in the leaves of plants, combining CO2, sunlight, and water to make glucose and starches.
What is the role of respiration in plants and animals?
Respiration converts glucose to energy through its reaction with oxygen, releasing water and CO2 in the process.
How do plants maintain their rigidity?
Plants require water to maintain their rigidity; they wilt when they run out of water.
What is the role of water in humans and animals?
In humans and animals, water is the medium used for all chemical reactions in the body, including the circulation of oxygen and nutrients.
What is transpiration in plants?
Transpiration of water from leaf surfaces cools plants by evaporation.
How do humans cool down through water?
Humans cool down by sweating, which is a similar cooling process to transpiration in plants.
How do fur-covered mammals, reptiles, and birds achieve evaporative cooling?
Evaporative cooling in fur-covered mammals, reptiles, and birds is achieved by panting.
What are some economic uses of water?
Water is used to generate electricity, irrigate crops, provide recreational facilities, and satisfy public demand for drinking water and sewage disposal.
In which industries is water an essential resource?
Water is essential in industries including food manufacturing, brewing, paper making, and steel making.
