Some
of the Earth’s water supply is temporarily locked up within the many
lifeforms found across the Earth’s biosphere. This water makes up a
majority of most organisms, and is a critical component, making the
processes of life possible. Some organisms are made up of 95% water,
while almost all the rest are more than half water.
Why is water so important to life? It all has to do with the unique properties that water
exhibits. Firstly, it is the only substance on Earth that is in liquid
form at the temperatures commonly found on the Surface of our planet.
Secondly, it is a superb solvent, meaning that other substances
regularly and easily dissolve into it. This allows water to carry
nutrients to cells, and carry waste away from them.
exhibits. Firstly, it is the only substance on Earth that is in liquid
form at the temperatures commonly found on the Surface of our planet.
Secondly, it is a superb solvent, meaning that other substances
regularly and easily dissolve into it. This allows water to carry
nutrients to cells, and carry waste away from them.
In
addition, water has the unique property of expanding as it freezes.
Because water expands becoming less dense, frozen water, more commonly
known as ice, floats. This is very important because it protects the
water underneath, insulating it from freezing.
Imagine
what would happen if water became more dense? It would sink, allowing
another layer of water to freeze. Eventually all the water across the
entire surface of our planet would freeze, making life impossible.
http://www.kidsgeo.com/geography-for-kids/0132-water-is-important-to-lifer.php
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