Question

which statements correctly describe how water distribution supports life on earth?
select two answers.
a. oceans support a wide variety of marine life.
b. soil moisture is essential for plant growth on land.
c. rivers contain the majority of earth’s freshwater.
d. lakes are the primary source of water for all land animals.
e. water in the atmosphere has no direct impact on life.

Explanation:

• Option A: Oceans have diverse ecosystems that support many marine organisms, so this is correct.
• Option B: Soil moisture is crucial for plants to absorb water and nutrients, supporting land plant life, so this is correct.
• Option C: Most of Earth's freshwater is in glaciers and ice caps, not rivers, so this is incorrect.
• Option D: Land animals get water from various sources like rivers, lakes, and even moisture in food, and lakes aren't the primary source for all, so this is incorrect.
• Option E: Water in the atmosphere (like rain, humidity) impacts life (e.g., precipitation for water supply, humidity for organisms), so this is incorrect.

Answer:

A. Oceans support a wide variety of marine life.
B. Soil moisture is essential for plant growth on land.