Water

• The partial negative end of an oxygen atom is attracted the partially positive end of an adjacent hydrogen atom. This forms a hydrogen bond. These slightly charged ends give water it's dipole nature.
• The bond that holds the two oxygen atoms to the hydrogen atom is a covalent bond.
• Water has a high specific heat capacity of 4.2KJ/KGc which means that

  it takes a lot of energy to change its temperature.
• Ice is less dense than water so it floats on top of the water forming an insulating layer.
• High surface tension means animals can form a habitat on the surface of water.
• Strong cohesive properties and high tensile strength means water can be pulled through plants as the water molecules are held together by H bonds.
• Water is colorless with a high transmission meaning light can pass through cells for photosynthesis.
• Water is a liquid at room temperature meaning it can be used for transport and a medium for reactions.
• Water has a high latent heat of vaporisation so can be used for cooling organisms by evaporation (e.g sweat).
• Water has a high specific heat capacity meaning conditions are stable in cells and aquatic environments.