Photosynthesis doesn't directly benefit animals in the way that it benefits plants. Animals cannot perform photosynthesis. However, the products of photosynthesis are absolutely essential for animal life:

1. Oxygen: Photosynthesis releases oxygen as a byproduct. Animals need oxygen to breathe and survive. Without plants performing photosynthesis, the atmosphere would be devoid of breathable oxygen.

2. Food: Plants use the energy from sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into sugars. These sugars are the basis of the food chain. Animals eat plants or other animals that eat plants, obtaining the energy they need to survive from the sugars produced by photosynthesis.