Water is the basis of life on the planet. Every person knows about this since childhood, and at school age he can even list all the basic properties of this unique substance. But all this does not give any idea of why water is called the basis of life on Earth. Despite the fact that it is constantly studied, since the most ancient times, water can present us with many surprises. This does not seem strange at all, given that it is one of the most common substances in the universe. In addition, it was recently discovered that our planet owes its education, what would you think? Of course, water.
Therefore, the ancient philosophers extolled it above all existing liquids and dedicated whole poems to it. And today, this substance is of interest not only to scientists, but also to people of art. For example, the documentary film “Life: water is the basis of life” (2012) made a splash in the world. The film, shot by a German filmmaker, tells how all the processes occurring on the planet are interconnected and the role of water represented in the film by a single organism.
The importance of water in the life of all life on Earth is difficult to overestimate, but many people still underestimate it. It is enough to see how unreasonable we humans are to water resources, squandering and polluting them everywhere. The article will explain why water is called the basis of life and how it affects the life of all organisms on the planet, including humans. So, get acquainted - Her Majesty the Water.
Brief description of water
People consider themselves the crown of the creation of nature and sometimes forget that they are part of all life and are interconnected with any processes taking place on the planet. Scientists claim that this is due to the large amount of fluid in our body. If we consider the averaged indicators, then we can confidently say that a person at 70, or even 80% consists of pure water. In some human organs and tissues, its concentration reaches 90%. In the same amount it is found in plants, as well as other organisms. This alone prompts the answer to the question why water is called the basis of life. After all, nature is distinguished by incredible wisdom and, having created everything living, it was not without reason that it determined just such a composition and ratio of liquid relative to other substances.
Do not forget that water is contained in our planet in huge quantities, and this is also an important factor that once ensured the emergence and then preservation of life on Earth. If we take our globe and twist it from all sides, carefully examining it, we find that approximately 80 percent of it is covered with water. In this case, only oceans are taken into account. But there are still rivers, lakes, seas, glaciers and underground waters on the planet. All of them make up the hydrosphere - one of the shells of our Earth. Due to the fact that it is quite extensive, there is an endless cycle of water in nature, ensuring regular interaction of this substance in its various forms of existence.
It is interesting that, despite the abundance of water on the globe, most of it is unsuitable for drinking. Therefore, it cannot provide human needs for replenishment of fluid. Drinking water on the planet is not more than three percent, and only less than one third of this number is in lakes and rivers. Knowing this information, it becomes uncomfortable with how deplorable the fate of mankind can become with the disappearance of these already insignificant reserves.
Water is the basis of life on Earth. This fact is difficult to question, especially since it has a lot of unique properties that are not given in school textbooks. Scientists talked about them not so long ago and still carry out a lot of research, figuring out all the new facts. In addition, any school curriculum includes the study of the chemical and physical properties of water, which reveal some of its features as a substance that is extremely important for ensuring the vital functions of all organisms on the globe.
Water properties
Drawing a parallel between the words “water” and “the basis of life”, we cannot but tell about the properties of this liquid, which is unique in every sense.
Interestingly, water has no taste, odor or color. But in this form it is extremely difficult to meet in nature, because it is inherently a solvent and often contains a lot of impurities that affect its organoleptic characteristics.
Not so long ago, scientists discovered another property of water, which previously could only be suspected. As it turned out, it is able to penetrate absolutely all bodies on the planet. This substance is even contained in stones, which fully reveals why water is the basis of life.
Water molecules can decay into ions, and they also form very unstable and short-term hydrogen bonds. They exist for a split second. It is worth remembering that in its normal state, water cannot form long-term structures, representing a homogeneous environment.
Physicists claim that water is the only substance on the planet that in its normal state has a fluid form. In addition, it can be represented in different states: liquid, gaseous, and solid. Not a single substance known to scientists no longer has such properties.
Water is capable of chemically reacting with other substances and can be radioactive. It has a density, thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity. These properties are best illustrated by the following examples.
Almost all substances on the planet in the process of transition from a liquid to a solid state change their density. If water behaved in exactly the same way, then in water bodies when the temperature dropped to zero degrees Celsius the following reactions would occur:
- chilled upper layers would sink to one of the ponds and push warmer upstairs;
- they, in turn, would be cooled again, and so the process would go until the entire mass of water was completely cooled;
- after that, the pond would begin to freeze;
- layers of ice would again fall by one until all water was completely frozen;
- as a result, life in many seas and lakes on the planet simply could not exist.
However, in reality, the processes proceed quite differently, because already at four degrees above zero, water reaches its highest density, and the process of mixing the layers is completed. Only the upper layer of the reservoir freezes, which contributes to the development of various organisms in the water column.
Water plays an important role in life through climate formation. This is due to its large heat capacity - it slowly heats up and cools. This fact is decisive in determining the weather in different regions of the planet.
Many scholars argue that water is the basis of life, because without it and the properties we listed, nothing living could exist on the globe.
The role of water
Why is water the basis of life on Earth? Our contemporaries do not ask this question very often. But if you go deeper into his study, you will find out very interesting details about this seemingly familiar substance.
Water in nature and human life plays an irreplaceable role. It is enough to know that she is actively involved in the formation of the relief and its change on the globe. Interestingly, if you completely smooth out the entire relief, then the water will cover the entire planet with a layer of three kilometers. It seems simply unbelievable, but very accurately describes one of the main roles that this substance performs.
In addition, she is a real creator of the climate, distributes and accumulates energy, and most importantly - is the basis for all life on our planet. Scientists believe that the basis for the emergence of life on any of the planets in the Universe is one rule: a living organism, including all internal organs and life support structures, should consist of substances that are freely available. It is very important that their deficiency can be filled. So, they should be:
- available;
- provide a comfortable existence;
- fully perform their functions to ensure life.
All these factors are well known to science and presented by it in the form of numerous theories about the origin of life. Based on the abundance of water on our planet, it should be the material that meets all of the above points and reveals the essence of why water is called the basis of life on Earth.
Availability
It was said above that there is an excess of water on the globe, so there is no doubt in its availability. In this, it can only compete with air forming a shell called the atmosphere.
Since water was always in easy access, almost all living organisms used its advantages to the full. If you carefully study their structure, it will become clear that most organisms are more than half composed of water. There are those in which it is up to 90%. All these facts prove that it was water that was the main building material at the origin of life on the planet. And life itself first arose in the depths of the oceans, and only after spreading there, came to land. Scientists believe that the diversity of living organisms in water is much greater than on land. Until today, water can be considered the main building material, without which life dies in just a few days.
It is interesting that the availability of water is also due to one of its functions - being in a dynamic state in organisms. Scientists call this substance a kind of transport, which delivers minerals, vitamins and trace elements to the body, ensuring its normal functioning, and also removes waste products from it to avoid cell intoxication. During transportation, water does not react with substances, which makes it truly unique. After all, other substances come into contact with each other upon contact and cannot fulfill the role of transport for cells. In order for this process to run smoothly, living organisms must constantly replenish water supplies. Due to its availability, this is quite easy to do. It should also be added that in nature there is no other substance that could be in such quantity on the globe.
If you still need proof that water is the foundation of life on Earth, then the next section of the article will definitely be interesting.
Creating comfortable conditions for the life of the body
When it comes to comfortable conditions, it should be understood that this refers to factors under which the body can fully function, as it is inherent in nature. Such conditions are normal for the body, and it is in them that water is in a fluid state. This provides a comfortable living for all living things.
Scientists emphasize the uniqueness of water when they discuss the vital functions of the body. The fact is that they do not know a single substance, which in its normal state would have a liquid form and would be ready for use, and would also meet requests for its quantity.
It is impossible not to mention in this section the neutrality of water. No living organism in contact with this substance will be damaged. It has a neutral level of acidity and does not damage their shell. Inside the body, water practically does not enter into any chemical reactions, but provides a suitable environment for them. To ensure a comfortable existence of organisms, a large number of biochemical reactions are necessary. And they, as you know from school lessons, can occur in solutions and gases. Therefore, water is so necessary for all living things on the planet. Once in any organism, it gives him the opportunity to conduct normal life activities and becomes the environment for biochemical reactions.
Organizational Support: Details
It's no secret that living organisms, especially humans, are a single, but very complex system. Inside it, there is a relationship between all organs, each of which individually needs special conditions for normal functioning. In order for biochemical processes to occur correctly, access to all organs of the necessary substances must be organized. After that, it is necessary to remove the products of its vital activity from the body, and here we will need a special system that gives access to all organs and cells. And here, nature made full use of all the properties of water.
Just think: the access of oxygen, without which the cells cannot exist, is delivered to them with an aqueous solution of blood, and is excreted through urine, lymph and sweat. They, in turn, are also water, in which the waste products of various organs are dissolved.
All biochemical processes in living organisms can proceed only if the temperature regime is observed. For humans, the upper limit is 37 ° C, and the lower limit is 36 ° C. Any deviations from this norm cause malfunctions of the internal organs, so the body is forced to maintain the desired temperature constantly. All the same water, which has a high heat capacity, helps him in this. According to scientists, it is 5-30 times higher than that of other substances. No substance on the planet can compare with it.
Another role of water in the life of humans and animals is its protective functions for internal organs. And this once again confirms the uniqueness of this substance. In humans and animals, internal organs are always in limbo. The liver, heart and lungs have a considerable mass and are quite fragile. Since a living organism is in constant motion, the organs experience huge overloads and can very easily be damaged. However, nature turned out to be very wise, and when creating life, it filled the inner space with liquid. In it, all organs are in a state of minimum weight and are reliably protected from external influences.
Water and man
After all of the above, you can surely make sure that water is the basis of life for everything existing on our planet. But even the data already cited do not reveal the role that this unique substance plays for humans. But people need water not only to ensure their well-being. We use it for domestic purposes, sometimes spending in disproportionately large quantities. Experts often discuss water consumption standards, but the average person does not always understand what is meant by this term. Typically, water consumption is built of two components:
- the amount of fluid required by the body to make up for losses;
- water necessary to ensure a comfortable living environment.
The first item will be considered in the next section, and now we will find out what is the water consumption per person per day, determined by the sanitary services of certain cities. It’s worth mentioning right away that there are no global standards. In each country, special regulatory bodies establish water consumption rules based on how much a person can spend leading a normal life. After all, we hardly imagine ourselves today without running water: from it we take water for cooking, a cup of tea, washing or washing dishes. In the evening, many prefer to pour a fragrant bathroom and relax after a hard day's work. It seems that these everyday manipulations do no harm to nature, but environmentalists consider them detrimental to the hydrosphere. You can understand this by studying the norms of water consumption. They are formed based on several factors:
- with a water supply system, but no bath, the norm is from 125 to 160 liters per day per person;
- if you have both water supply and a bath, then the water consumption per person increases to 250 liters;
- in homes where the presence of hot water can be added to all of the above, the norm is already 350 liters;
- the lowest water consumption is observed for those who use columns - from 30 to 50 liters per day per person.
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Water is life. Even the ancient Greeks and Romans with this phrase tried to reflect the unique properties of this substance, without which it is impossible to imagine the existence of humanity as a species. It is written in any school textbook that a person consists of 60-70% of water, which means that he constantly needs it to make up for losses. And they average up to four liters.
Most people understand that the fluid we lose is mainly through the kidneys and skin through the work of sweat glands. However, these are not the only ways to lose water. In fact, we lose it even in the process of breathing. Yes Yes. One cubic meter of exhaled air can contain up to nine grams of water. Of all this, the very four liters that a person must replenish are added up. But what happens if life-giving moisture does not enter the body?
Any scientist can explain that water is the basis of life, since with a 20 percent loss in the body, irreversible changes will occur, expressed in violation of the work of most vital organs. Such processes may well lead to death. If the lack of water is estimated at only ten percent, then the person will feel weakness and malaise. This is due to the fact that all the processes associated with water exchange in the body are regulated by the central nervous system through food centers and thirst centers. As soon as the fluid level in the body decreases, the blood composition instantly changes, which leads to the excitation of the central nervous system. As a result, a person begins to feel thirsty. In this condition, you can be no more than three days. During this time, dehydration leads to serious problems, and a person dies. For comparison, we can say that without food, people can live about a month.
How much water does a person need?
The norms of the fluid necessary for normal human life depend on many factors:
- from water quality;
- the presence of certain diseases;
- climate and seasonal weather changes;
- classification of labor activity.
For example, a city dweller engaged in mental work, on average, requires two liters of clean water per day. In the hot season, this amount can increase to four liters. Physically active people are in great need of fluids. On average, a man engaged in heavy production should drink up to four liters of water. In summer, this figure rises to five to six liters.
No less important is the fluid for children. Water is a source of life for infants, as it contributes to the rapid establishment of digestion and normalizes all vital processes. A monthly baby needs about one glass of clean water daily. Her deficiency is detrimental to his health and can cause serious problems in the future.
About water quality
Water is the basis of the life of plants, people, animals and other organisms, unfortunately, in the modern world it can not always please with quality. But the well-being of a person directly depends on this. Pure water is a source of a healthy life, longevity and beauty. But what exactly needs to be understood under the phrase "pure water"?
First of all, experts advise focusing on the organoleptic properties of water. They are characterized by color, smell, taste, sediment, transparency and other similar factors. Ideally, the water should be transparent, without taste and smell, but it is impossible to meet such in cities. In any water flowing from the tap, there is a mass of impurities. Some of them are dissolved chemical elements from the soil, another part is impurities from water pipes, and it is impossible not to mention the elements that are used in water treatment (in many cities, for example, chlorine is used). Therefore, in different areas the taste of water and its quality are so different. Although in any city in our country it is suitable for drinking.
It is also necessary to mention pollution that affects water quality. They can be caused by human activities and cause a real epidemic. Through water, a person can become infected with hepatitis, influenza, salmonella, intestinal viruses and gain many more problems. In countries where water quality is less closely monitored, epidemics erupt several times a year due to its pollution. Under such circumstances, people die in the thousands, and it’s quite difficult to fix the situation.
To summarize
Nowadays, humanity is not yet experiencing special problems with drinking water and water in general. However, in some places on the globe they already know about them firsthand, which means that people should seriously think about how they relate to water, which gives them the opportunity to exist normally. After all, it was about this that ancient philosophers wrote their numerous works. Water is the basis of life. Once mankind has forgotten this axiom, it will lose all chances for a happy future.