Section: Science

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How might a scientist explain the significance of the earth's water makeup in reference to climate change?

1. Earth's composition of 71 percent water is a benchmark for understanding the amount of drinkable water.
2. Earth's composition of 71 percent water is a benchmark for the Earth's rising temperature. As ice caps melt, sea levels could rise with potentially harmful aftereffects to civilization.
3. Earth's composition of 71 percent water is a benchmark for understanding the world after the Flood.
4. None of the above.

The passage alludes to how an understanding of science is important for facing some of the biggest challenges ahead. Since the Flood of Noah's time (referred to in 3) is unproven superstition, this would make 1, 2, and 4 the most viable choices. Answer 1 is not correct because water composition and drinkability are not really linked since much of the earth's water is not drinkable anyway. Increasing water composition, however, is a factor of melting ice caps brought on by climate change, making 2 the best choice.