Final answer:
Carbon is essential for organic life due to its versatility in forming bonds.
Step-by-step explanation:
Carbon is essential for organic life due to its versatility in forming bonds. Carbon atoms have four valence electrons, allowing them to form four covalent bonds with other atoms or molecules. This allows carbon to create a vast number of diverse molecular species necessary for the structures and functions of living organisms. For example, carbon can form long chains or ringed structures, and make single, double, or triple covalent bonds with other elements such as hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and halogens.