How do plants support life in Earth’s biosphere?

Plants are essential to the maintenance of life within Earth’s biosphere primarily by serving as the foundation for food webs and regulating the atmosphere.12

Energy Production

Through the process of photosynthesis, plants act as primary producers, converting radiant energy from the Sun into chemical energy stored as carbohydrates. This energy is the source of sustenance for herbivores and, subsequently, carnivores, effectively supporting the flow of energy and nutrients through ecosystems.134

Atmospheric and Environmental Regulation

• Oxygen Production: A vital by-product of photosynthesis is oxygen, which is essential for the survival of most living organisms, including humans.12
• Soil Conservation: Plants protect soils from erosion and help manage water quality and levels.1
• Water Cycling: Through transpiration, plants return water vapor to the atmosphere, playing a key role in the hydrologic cycle.5
• Carbon Sequestration: Plants take up carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it into biomass, helping to regulate the global carbon cycle.46