The next few questions refer to the following description and Table 28.1.
Diatoms are encased in Petri-platelike cases (valves) made of translucent hydrated silica whose thickness can be varied. The material used to store excess calories can also be varied. At certain times, diatoms store excess calories in the form of the liquid polysaccharide, laminarin, and at other times as oil. The following are data concerning the density (specific gravity) of various components of diatoms, and of their environment.
Table 28.1 Specific Gravities of Materials Relevant to Diatoms

-Water's density and, consequently, its buoyancy decrease at warmer temperatures. Based on this consideration and using data from Table 28.1, at which time of year should one expect diatoms to be storing excess calories mostly as oil?
A) mid-winter
B) early spring
C) late summer
D) late fall

Question

The next few questions refer to the following description and Table 28.1.
Diatoms are encased in Petri-platelike cases (valves) made of translucent hydrated silica whose thickness can be varied. The material used to store excess calories can also be varied. At certain times, diatoms store excess calories in the form of the liquid polysaccharide, laminarin, and at other times as oil. The following are data concerning the density (specific gravity) of various components of diatoms, and of their environment.
Table 28.1 Specific Gravities of Materials Relevant to Diatoms
 
-Water's density and, consequently, its buoyancy decrease at warmer temperatures. Based on this consideration and using data from Table 28.1, at which time of year should one expect diatoms to be storing excess calories mostly as oil?
A) mid-winter 
B) early spring 
C) late summer 
D) late fall

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The density of water decreases at warmer temperatures, so during late summer when the water is warmest, diatoms would store excess calories mostly as oil because oil has a lower density than water.

The Next Few Questions Refer to the Following Description and Table