Final answer:
Solid ice floats on water due to a unique property of water, and this has important implications for aquatic life, the existence of liquid water, and Earth's climate.
Step-by-step explanation:
The fact that solid ice floats on water is a unique property of water, and it is important for various reasons. Firstly, this characteristic is crucial for the survival of aquatic life because it provides insulation for the water below the layer of ice, allowing organisms to survive even in extremely cold temperatures. Secondly, the floating ice prevents the entire water body from freezing, which ensures the existence of liquid water for organisms to live in. Lastly, ice floating on water also affects Earth's climate by influencing oceanic currents and regulating the distribution of heat around the globe.
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