How many of the following are given in NCERT as effects of the depletion of the ozone layer?
(A) More ultraviolet (UV) radiation comes to Earth.
(B) Skin cancer in humans.
(C) Lower production of phytoplankton.
(D) An influence on the growth of terrestrial plants.
(E) A rise in sea level and coastal flooding.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Four
Less ozone lets more UV radiation reach the Earth, and the UV radiation causes the harm. Four items are effects of ozone depletion.
(A) More ultraviolet (UV) radiation comes to Earth. — Correct. This is the first result of a thinner ozone layer.
(B) Skin cancer in humans. — Correct. UV radiation seems responsible for skin cancer.
(C) Lower production of phytoplankton. — Correct. UV radiation lowers phytoplankton production, which affects other aquatic organisms.
(D) An influence on the growth of terrestrial plants. — Correct. UV radiation can also influence the growth of land plants.
(E) A rise in sea level and coastal flooding. — Incorrect. This is a result of global warming, which melts polar ice.
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. …” “Box 7.1: Global Warming … Some of the longer-term results of global warming are melting of polar ice with a resulting rise in sea level and coastal flooding; disruption of drinking water supplies dependent on snow melts; extinction of species as ecological niches disappear; more frequent tropical storms; and an increased incidence of tropical diseases. …” |