What are the basic needs of living things?

The basic needs of living things include food, water, air, and shelter. Each of these components plays a vital role in the survival and health of living organisms.

Food provides the necessary energy and nutrients that organisms need for growth, development, and maintenance of bodily functions. Water is essential for nearly all biological processes, including digestion, nutrient transport, and temperature regulation. Air, specifically oxygen, is crucial for respiration, which is the process that releases energy from food. Finally, shelter offers protection from environmental threats, predators, and extreme weather conditions, contributing to the overall well-being of living things.

While options may include other elements important to certain species or scenarios, they do not encompass the fundamental needs universally required by all living organisms. For example, while companionship may be important for certain social animals, it is not a basic need for all living things. Similarly, heat is crucial for some organisms, but it does not apply to all; likewise, soil is important for plants or organisms that grow in it but is not a universal need.