2-1. INTRODUCTION

 

The human body can continue to function much longer without food than without water. Although a person deprived of food for extended periods may experience hunger pangs (and even undergo personality changes), his body will continue to function well enough to permit some use of all faculties. After a time, even this

limited use will fade, but this may take weeks or months. The lack of water can cause death within days or even hours (in some cases). The reasons for this situation will be shown in Lesson 2. All animals require a water environment. In the case of marine animals, the water surrounds them. In the case of land animals, the

water is carried within the body. Homo sapiens (human beings) are no exception. Water supports life. The lack of water destroys life. The percentages and fractions listed in this lesson may vary, depending on the reference that you consult. This is caused by the different methods of measurement used by the research laboratories. The variations from one reference to another are slight and do not affect the general concept.