Which of the following is an important, life-sustaining property of water?

ability to moderate temperature
versatility as a solvent
expansion upon freezing
cohesive behavior
contraction upon freezing

versatility as a solvent

Water is called as an universal solvent because it is capable of dissolving variety of substances within it than any other type of liquid. It is important component of all the life forms present on the planet earth. The water provides a medium for the dissolution of minerals and nutrients necessary for cellular metabolism, and growth in all life forms. It allows the transportation of the gases, hormones, and other substances to all the parts of the living organisms.

 expansion upon freezing

 versatility as a solvent

 cohesive behavior

 ability to moderate temperature

Explanation:

Water has special properties that contribute to Earth's suitability as an environment for life. These properties include, but are not limited to:

cohesive behavior

ability to moderate temperature

expansion upon freezing, and

versatility as a solvent.

Cohesion is the attraction of water molecules to other molecules through hydrogen bonding. This behavior allows water to be transported upward against gravity in the roots and stems of plants.

Water is known for its ability to moderate temperature. Water heats up slowly and cools down slowly. This property helps stabilize temperatures in areas near bodies of water because water can absorb heat during the day and release heat during the night.

During the winter, large bodies of water such as lakes do not freeze solid because water expands when it freezes to form ice. The ice floats to the surface, forming an insulating layer that keeps the liquid water below from freezing. If water contracted upon freezing, ice would sink to bottom of large bodies of water, allowing the rest of the water in them to freeze, too. As a result, most aquatic organisms would die.

Water is known as a versatile solvent because it is a polar molecule and can dissolve other polar molecules with ease. Many of the nutrients and other substances required for life must be dissolved in water before they can enter cells, and almost all of the chemical reactions necessary for life occur in solutions of water.