What are physiological needs?

Physiological needs refer to the essential requirements for human survival and proper functioning of the body. This includes the most basic elements such as food, water, shelter, air, and sleep. These needs are foundational in the context of human motivation, as outlined in theories like Maslow's hierarchy of needs, where physiological needs form the base upon which higher-level needs—such as safety, social belonging, esteem, and self-actualization—are built.

When physiological needs are unmet, individuals may experience significant distress or impairment in both physical and mental functioning. For example, without adequate food or water, one cannot sustain health or engage in daily activities effectively.

The other options touch on different areas related to consumer behavior, social norms, and psychological desires, but they do not specifically address the fundamental biological and physiological requirements that must be satisfied for an individual to function optimally. Therefore, recognizing physiological needs as the body's requirements is crucial for understanding human behavior and motivation.