The ozone layer in the stratosphere prevents most harmful wavelengths of which of the following from passing through the Earth’s atmosphere?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Ultraviolet light
The ozone layer stops most harmful ultraviolet (UV) light from reaching the earth. When it thins, more UV radiation comes in and harms living organisms.
NCERT (2026-27): “Box 7.2: Ozone Depletion … As a result of depletion of the ozone layer, more ultraviolet (UV) radiation comes to Earth and causes damage to living organisms. UV radiation seems responsible for skin cancer in humans; it also lowers production of phytoplankton and thus affects other aquatic organisms. It can also influence the growth of terrestrial plants. A reduction of approximately 5 per cent in the ozone layer was detected from 1979 to 1990. Since the ozone layer prevents most harmful wavelengths of ultraviolet light from passing through the Earth’s atmosphere, observed and projected decreases in ozone have generated worldwide concern. …” |