Hobbies And Interests
Photosynthesis
Sunlight is the fuel that maintains plant life. Simply put, plants rely on sunlight for a process called photosynthesis. During this phenomenon, the light reacts with a green chemical called chlorophyll within the plant's leaves. The chlorophyll then converts sunlight into stored energy and nutrients to keep the plant alive.
Animal Life
Plant life's dependence on the sun makes the sun the catalyst for all life in a process called the food chain. The chain begins with the sun's light as it stimulates plant growth. Plants -- also known as producers -- are consumed by primary consumers. Primary consumers are animals that only eat plants, such as rabbits or squirrels. Primary consumers are eaten by meat-eating animals known as secondary and tertiary consumers. The sun's light provides the ignition for this process. Without it, the food chain would not be sustainable.
Nutrition
The sun's rays are important for human nutrition. Although the sun does not directly emit vitamin D, "ultraviolet rays from sunlight strike the skin and trigger vitamin D synthesis," according to the National Institutes of Health's Office of Dietary Supplements. Additionally, the sun's light has been found to have healing and preventative properties. According to Dr. Laurence Johnston, "epidemiologists estimate at least 55 men die prematurely from prostate cancer from too little sun for every man that dies from too much sun." As vitamin D metabolizes in the body, it can help heal injuries and illnesses.
Alternate Energy
While the sun's light is responsible for sustaining life for eons, it was not until the 20th century that it began to serve a different purpose. It has progressed significantly since William J. Bailey created a basic solar energy collector in 1908. As of 2011, solar power is a household name, providing a steady source of renewable energy used to power homes and some vehicle prototypes.