Why do animals and plants breathe?

Animals and plants "breathe" to facilitate the exchange of gases essential for their survival. Animals primarily take in oxygen through respiration to produce energy from food, while releasing carbon dioxide as a waste product. Plants, on the other hand, engage in photosynthesis, where they absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen during daylight, using sunlight to convert water and CO2 into glucose. Both processes are crucial for maintaining the balance of gases in the atmosphere and supporting life on Earth.