Have you ever heard anyone say, “Let’s get back to the basics?” That means get back to the things that are the most important, the things that you can’t do without. For all living creatures, there are some basic things that have to exist for creatures to continue living.
All living things need five basics to continue living (see above).
Without these things, an organism will not grow, be able to carry out its natural functions and will eventually die.
All organisms depend on the sun for energy, heat and light. The amount of sunlight in a particular area determines what kind of organisms can thrive there. In cold areas, there are not as many plants and animals. Organisms that inhabit the area are uniquely designed to withstand colder temperatures, while other animals only thrive in sunnier climates.
Water is needed by all organisms, but just like sunlight, some organisms need more water than others. Water is needed in many ways and quantities by living things.
Plants need enough hydration to carry out photosynthesis (the process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods from carbon dioxide and water.) Photosynthesis in plants generally involves the green pigment chlorophyll and generates oxygen as a by-product.
Water comes from the soil to their roots. The water carries nutrients throughout the plant.
Animals need water to carry out cell activity and to remain hydrated.
The earth is surrounded by air; a mixture of important gases that provide animals with oxygen to breathe. It gives plants carbon dioxide. Animals, including humans, have to have oxygen to live. We breathe in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide.
We all need food to grow and stay strong. For plants, animals and people, food comes in different forms. Plants get their food from the soil. People and animals get their food from growing things or from other animals.
Have you heard that old saying, “There’s no place like home?” There is a reason for that. Home, or your habitat, is where you feel safe. Home is where your needs are met. Home is where you are the most comfortable. That’s the same for other organisms as well.
A main function of a home is keeping you safe and warm. Humans use things like fireplaces and heat pumps to make sure our environment is comfortable. That isn’t the case for plants and animals. They only thrive when the natural habitat meets their needs.
Did You Know…
That the brook trout prefers water temperatures between 39.2°F and 68°F? It will only lay eggs when the water temperature is below 13°C (55.4°F). Other animals like polar bears and penguins are adapted to thrive only in extremely cold climates. They will not survive if they end up in a hot, dry tropical climate.
