VIEW: Earth's Atmosphere

Earth's atmosphere is a thin blanket of gases and tiny particles. Much of what makes Earth exceptional depends on the atmosphere. For example, all living things need some of the gases in the air for life support. Animals use the oxygen in the atmosphere to convert sugar and food into energy (a process called respiration). Plants use the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to make food (a process called photosynthesis). Ozone helps absorb some of the sun's harmful radiation, protecting life on Earth. 

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