What is the purpose of a wetsuit or drysuit?

A wetsuit or drysuit primarily serves the purpose of insulating the body and maintaining warmth during underwater activities. Water conducts heat away from the body much quicker than air, and when submerged, a diver can lose body heat rapidly. Wetsuits are made from layers of neoprene, which trap a layer of water against the skin that, once warmed by body heat, acts as an insulator. Drysuits, on the other hand, are designed to keep the diver dry, providing a greater thermal barrier particularly in colder water conditions.

While the other options mention important aspects of diving equipment, they do not encapsulate the primary function of these suits. Flotation, protective qualities, and mobility can be considerations, but they are secondary to the fundamental role of temperature regulation provided by proper insulation with wetsuits and drysuits. Understanding this primary function is crucial for divers to ensure their safety and comfort underwater.