Diatoms Are Encased in Petri-Plate-Like Cases (Valves) Made of Translucent

Diatoms are encased in petri-plate-like 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
$$\begin{array} { | l | c | } \hline \text { Material } & \begin{array} { c } \text { Specific Gravity } \\\left( \mathrm { kg } / \mathrm { m } ^ { \mathbf { 3 } } \right) \end{array} \\\hline \text { Pure water } & 1000 \\\hline \text { Seawater } & 1026 \\\hline \text { Hydrated silica } & 2250 \\\hline \text { Liquid laminarin } & 1500 \\\hline \text { Diatom oil } & 910 \\\hline\end{array}$$
-Water's density and, consequently, its buoyancy decrease at warmer temperatures. Considering the impact of temperature, and the table above, in which environment should diatoms sinking be slowest?

A) cold fresh water
B) warm fresh water
C) cold seawater
D) warm seawater

Correct Answer:

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