How are the mountain pools places of both life and death for the animals in the area? Why did Steinbeck choose the setting of the mountain pool for the pivotal scene of the novella?

The mountain pools are a source of life for life for the animals that live on the mountain. The drink from it, live in it, and find food in its depths. Coyotito loses his young life is a place that simultaneously provides for the needs of natural world to live. We can infer that Steinbeck chose this location to provide this contrast.