The next few questions refer to the following description and table.
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.
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 the table, 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.
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.
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 the table, 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

From the table, we can see that the specific gravity of water decreases as the temperature increases. Therefore, at warmer temperatures, diatoms will tend to store excess calories as oil to increase their density and maintain their position in the water column. Late summer is the time when the water temperature is the warmest, so this is when we should expect diatoms to be storing excess calories mostly as oil.

The Next Few Questions Refer to the Following Description and Table