# Explain how the properties of water allow animals living in ponds to survive during periods of intense heat in summer.

> AQA A-Level Biology (7402) — 3.1.7 Water · Explain · 5 marks

> During hot summer months, air temperatures can rise significantly. Pond-dwelling animals such as fish and invertebrates must be able to survive these conditions.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Water has a high heat capacity / specific heat capacity
2. So the temperature of the pond water changes slowly / remains relatively stable, protecting animals from rapid temperature fluctuations
3. Water has a high latent heat of evaporation / vaporisation
4. So the pond loses water / cools slowly through evaporation, helping to maintain water levels / keeping the pond cool without losing large amounts of water
5. Water is a good solvent so dissolved oxygen / minerals / nutrients remain in solution, allowing animals to absorb them / carry out metabolic reactions

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA A-Level Biology (7402)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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