Final answer:
Fish and other animals can survive in winter because ice forms on the surface of lakes and is less dense than the liquid water below, creating an insulating layer. Water is densest at 4°C; below this temperature, it expands, ensuring ice floats. This property is vital for aquatic ecosystems and has practical implications like the use of antifreeze and the bursting of frozen pipes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Fish and other animals can survive at the bottom of a lake during winter because ice is less dense than liquid water. An intriguing property of water is that it reaches its maximum density at 4°C. Below this temperature, water expands as it approaches the freezing point and becomes less dense.
The ice layer does not only act as an insulator but also ensures that the water beneath remains in a liquid state throughout the winter. This liquid water is vital for the survival of fish and other wildlife, as it provides a habitat where they can access necessary resources to live.