Why is the atmosphere essential for life?

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Protection from Harmful Rays**: The atmosphere acts as a protective blanket around the Earth. It filters out harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun, which can cause serious health issues such as skin cancer and cataracts in humans, as well as detrimental effects on other organisms.

2. **Temperature Regulation**: The atmosphere plays a crucial role in regulating the Earth's temperature. It helps maintain a fairly constant average temperature, which is vital for sustaining life.

3. **Daytime Temperature Control**: During the day, the atmosphere prevents sudden increases in temperature. This is important because extreme heat can be harmful to living organisms.

...