Study Guide Chapter 3: Water and the Fitness of

the Environment

Campbell et al. Biology. 8th ed., Chapter 3

Do all concept checks. Check out the study aids on Mastering Biology.

O. Application

1. Why should you cut a little piece off the stems of flower while holding them
in water before putting them in a vase?
2. Why should you not touch the surface of a tent when it rains?

I. The big picture

3. More than 70% of the Earth’s surface is water, most cells are surrounded
by water (even on land) and cells and organisms consist of about 70-95%
water. Lack of fresh water leads to death, pollution of water makes people
sick, and wars are fought over water. What is the daily per capita use of water
in the US? What will happen if we continue to use more fresh water than is
restored (two consequences)?
4. Besides the well-known effect on global temperature, carbon dioxide
decreases the concentration of carbonate ions in the oceans. Explain why
this happens and what the effects are (Figure 3.11).

II. The Properties of Water

5. With the use of a diagram or diagrams, explain why water molecules are:
a. Polar (Figure 3.2)
b. Capable of hydrogen bonding with four neighboring water
molecules (Figure 3.2)
Not quite clear? Use the web (CD) Activity: The polarity of water

6. List four characteristics of water that are emergent properties resulting

from hydrogen bonding.
7. Define cohesion, adhesion, and surface tension. Explain how water’s
cohesion and adhesion contribute to the movement of water from the roots to
the leaves of a tree (Figure 3.3).
8. Define kinetic energy, heat, temperature, and heat of vaporization
9. What causes evaporative cooling?
10. Explain why ice is less dense than liquid water.
11. Explain the following observations by referring to the properties of water.

© Crima Pogge, CCSF for Bio 101A, page 1

 a. Coastal areas have milder climates than adjacent inland areas (Figure
3.5).
b. Ocean temperatures fluctuate much less than air temperatures on
land.
c. Insects like water striders can walk on the surface of a pond without
breaking the surface (Figure 3.4).
d. If you slightly overfill a water glass, the water will form a convex
surface above the top of the glass.
e. If you place a paper towel so that it touches spilled water, the towel will
draw in the water.
f. Ice floats on water (Figure 3.6)
g. Plants can transport Mg2+ from the soil to the leaves, where it is built
into chlorophyll.
h. Humans sweat and dogs pant to cool themselves on hot days
12. Distinguish among a solute, a solvent, and a solution.

II. Acidic and basic conditions affect living organisms

13. Name the products of the dissociation of water and give their
concentration in pure water.
14. Define acid, base, and pH
(Figure 3.9).

Not quite clear? Use the web (CD)

Activities: Dissociation of water
molecules and Acids, bases, and pH

15. Explain how acids and bases

may directly or indirectly alter the
hydrogen ion concentration of a
solution.
16. Using the bicarbonate buffer
system as an example, explain
how buffers work and why they
are important for life.

17. MBriefly explain the causes and effects of acid precipitation (Figure
3.10). Why causes the rise in carbon dioxide?

Essay question

Explain water's unusual properties and how they facilitate life on Earth.

Note: You might find parts of essay questions on the next exam. Don’t skip
them!

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