Which of the following is an importance of the atmosphere to living organisms?
Answer Details
The atmosphere plays a critical role in supporting the existence of living organisms. One of the most important functions of the atmosphere is that it provides oxygen, a gas that animals and plants need for respiration. Oxygen is necessary for the breakdown of food molecules into energy, which is required by all living cells to carry out their functions. Therefore, without the atmosphere, most living organisms would not be able to survive.
Furthermore, the atmosphere also helps regulate the Earth's temperature and protects living organisms from harmful radiation from the sun. Additionally, it helps to distribute water and nutrients around the planet through the water cycle. This cycle enables plants to grow, which in turn provides food for other living organisms.
In summary, the atmosphere's most important contribution to living organisms is the provision of oxygen for respiration, the regulation of the Earth's temperature, and the distribution of water and nutrients through the water cycle.