Why Is Photosynthesis so Important?

From Seed to Seed:
Plant Science for K-8 Educators

Why Is Photosynthesis so Important?

First of all, without plants, the entire food chain-or more accurately the food web-would lose its foundation. All animals (including us humans) ultimately depend on plant material either directly or indirectly through their herbivore prey. Think of that the next time you sprinkle a teaspoon of sugar, or drink a glass of milk, or munch on a turkey sandwich. All require one type of plant or another!

On top of that, all animals require the oxygen released by plants. Without continual photosynthesis, the amount of oxygen in the atmosphere would slowly diminish.

What will happen if we continue to destroy our forests and wild areas-and lose the immeasurable quantities of carbohydrates manufactured and pure oxygen released? What will we do when there aren't enough green plants to fill our needs?

What about the plants' needs? In order to photosynthesize, plants need light, water, and air. Although we didn't really talk about it, they also require nutrients. Let's take a closer look at these needs and at how plants sometimes adapt to get enough of what they need.

Made possible by a grant from Oracle Corp.

For questions regarding this web site, contact Webmaster