What is the process by which animal life takes in oxygen?

The process by which animal life takes in oxygen is known as respiration. Respiration involves a series of biochemical reactions that occur within cells, allowing organisms to extract energy from nutrients by utilizing oxygen. During respiration, oxygen is absorbed into the bloodstream and transported to cells, where it is used to oxidize food molecules, releasing carbon dioxide as a byproduct.

This process is crucial for the survival of aerobic organisms, which rely on oxygen to produce energy efficiently through cellular respiration. The energy produced is essential for sustaining life processes such as movement, growth, and cellular repair.

In contrast, photosynthesis is the process used by plants to convert light energy into chemical energy, fermentation refers to anaerobic processes that produce energy without oxygen, and transpiration is primarily related to the movement of water through plants. Understanding respiration helps clarify how animals obtain energy, highlighting its significance in biological systems.