What substance in the environment can help to regulate water temperature and thermal energy absorption?

Water molecules play a critical role in regulating water temperature and the absorption of thermal energy due to their unique physical and chemical properties. Water has a high specific heat capacity, which means it can absorb a significant amount of heat before its temperature changes. This property allows water bodies to stabilize temperatures, making them less prone to sudden fluctuations in temperature compared to land environments.

This characteristic is crucial for aquatic life, as it creates a stable habitat that can support various organisms. Conversely, substances like air and rocks do not have the same level of heat absorption or specific heat capacity, and while minerals can affect water quality and the overall ecosystem, they do not directly influence temperature regulation like water does. Therefore, water molecules are the primary substance responsible for regulating temperature and absorbing thermal energy in the environment.