Science Common Sense
887 - What is carbon, and why is it important for life on Earth?
Carbon is a type of element that's like a building block of all living things. It's found in our bodies, in plants, and even in the air we breathe.
Carbon is important for life on Earth because it helps create:
- Food: Plants use carbon to grow and make food through photosynthesis.
- Our bodies: Our bones, muscles, and even our DNA have carbon in them.
- Oxygen: Plants release oxygen into the air, which we need to breathe, and that process involves carbon too.
Think of carbon like LEGOs. Just like LEGOs can be connected in different ways to make different things, carbon atoms can be connected in different ways to make different living things, like us!