What can be described as the need for air, water, food, and sex in Maslow's theory?

In Maslow's hierarchy of needs, the need for air, water, food, and sex corresponds to the foundational level of necessities required for human survival and functioning, known as physiological needs. These are the most basic requirements that must be met before individuals can focus on higher-level needs.

Physiological needs encompass the biological aspects essential to human life. Without fulfilling these needs, individuals are unlikely to be able to pursue broader objectives, such as safety or social connections. This foundational importance makes them the primary focus in Maslow's model. In contrast, needs like security, affiliation, and esteem build upon the satisfaction of physiological needs and do not primarily concern basic survival; rather, they relate to emotional and psychological well-being.