Set 3: Command of Evidence
Explanation
PASSAGE
Water expands when it freezes, unlike most substances which contract. This is why ice floats on water. If ice sank, bodies of water would freeze from the bottom up, making it much harder for aquatic life to survive winter.
What is the ecological significance of ice floating?
Detailed Explanation
This question requires you to identify evidence that supports a claim. The text states if ice sank, 'bodies of water would freeze from the bottom up, making it much harder for aquatic life to survive.' Thus, floating ice protects life. The best evidence directly and explicitly supports the stated claim without requiring assumptions. Match specific textual details or data points to the claim being made. The correct answer provides clear, direct support. Strong evidence directly addresses the claim without requiring additional interpretation. When evaluating options, look for quotes or data that explicitly support the statement. Weak evidence may be tangentially related but doesn't provide direct proof.
Key Evidence:
• "making it much harder for aquatic life to survive winter"
Why others are wrong: A (Ice fishing relies on ice floating; this is wrong.), C (Flooding is not mentioned.), D (Evaporation is not discussed.).