Final answer:
Water's high specific heat capacity is essential for life as it stabilizes environmental temperatures and helps organisms regulate their body temperature, contributing to homeostasis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Water having a high specific heat capacity means that it can absorb or lose a substantial amount of heat before its temperature changes significantly. This is due to hydrogen bonding among water molecules and is crucial for life because it contributes to the stability of environmental temperatures and the regulation of organismal body temperatures.
For example, the high specific heat capacity of water explains why coastal areas tend to have milder climates and why water is vital in homeostasis for warm-blooded animals. These animals use water to distribute body heat evenly, similar to a car's cooling system, which helps to maintain a stable internal environment that is essential for proper functioning.