In Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which needs form the base of the pyramid?

• A. Safety
• B. Physiological
• C. Love/belonging
• D. Esteem

Answer: (B)

Physiological needs form the base because they are the essential survival requirements that must be met before a person can focus on anything higher. These basic needs include air, water, food, sleep, shelter, and basic bodily functions. When hunger, thirst, or fatigue dominate, they drive behavior far more than social or achievement goals, so the motivational energy sits at meeting those survival needs first. Only after physiological needs are reasonably satisfied does the person start attending to safety needs, then love and belonging, then esteem, and finally self-actualization. In other words, safety, relationships, and feelings of accomplishment come into play only after the body’s basic survival needs are cared for.