Which example is not an effect of water's high specific heat?

Question

A. Organisms are able to resist changes in their own temperatures.

B. Inland regions generally have milder climates than coastal regions.

C. Ocean temperatures are stabilized.

D. A large body of water can store a huge amount of heat from the sun, but only warm up a few degrees.

E. None of the above

Answer 1

E

By warming up only a few degrees, a large body of water can absorb and store a huge amount of heat from the sun in the daytime and during summer.  At night and during winter, the gradual cooling water can warm the air.  This is the reason coastal areas generally have milder climates than inland regions.  The high specific heat of water also makes ocean temperatures quite stable, creating a favorable environment for marine life.  Thus, because of its high specific heat, the water that covers most of planet Earth keeps temperature fluctuations within limits that permit life.  Also, because organisms are made primarily of water, they are more able to resist changes in their own temperatures than if they were made of a liquid with a lower specific heat.

Answer 2

C