Question

which property of water allows many land-dwelling organisms to maintain body temperature by eliminating excess heat? water’s ability to evaporate; water’s capacity to dissolve substances; water’s movement by capillary action; water’s formation of ions in solution

Explanation:

To determine the correct answer, we analyze each option:

• Water’s ability to evaporate: Evaporation of water (like sweat in organisms) requires heat energy, which is taken from the organism's body, thus cooling it and helping maintain body temperature. This matches the function of eliminating excess heat.
• Water’s capacity to dissolve substances: This property is related to water as a solvent, not temperature regulation.
• Water’s movement by capillary action: Capillary action is about water moving in narrow spaces (e.g., plant xylem), not temperature control.
• Water’s formation of ions in solution: Ion formation in water is related to chemical reactions or conductivity, not heat elimination for temperature maintenance.

So the correct option is the one about water's ability to evaporate.

Answer:

A. Water’s ability to evaporate