What is the function of the stomach?
The stomach is a vital organ in the digestive system. Its main functions are:
Storage of Food: The stomach holds the food after it is swallowed and controls its passage into the small intestine at a manageable rate.
Digestion: The stomach mixes the food with gastric juices. These juices contain hydrochloric acid and enzymes like pepsin, which help break down proteins.
Protection: The acidic environment of the stomach kills most bacteria and pathogens that enter with food, helping protect the body from infections.
What does biodiversity mean?
Biodiversity refers to the variety and variability of life on Earth. It includes diversity within species (genetic diversity), between species (species diversity), and within ecosystems (ecosystem diversity). Biodiversity is important because it boosts ecosystem productivity and resilience, providing a greater balance and stability in nature.
Why are leaves called the food factory of the plants?
Leaves are often referred to as the "food factories" of plants because they are primarily responsible for photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, leaves capture sunlight and use it, along with carbon dioxide from the air and water from the soil, to create glucose and oxygen. This process:
Provides Food: The glucose produced is used as food for the plant, supplying energy for growth and development.
Releases Oxygen: Oxygen, a by-product, is released into the atmosphere, crucial for the survival of most life forms on Earth.