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Multiple Choice
How does the Earth's atmosphere protect living organisms from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation?
A
By producing oxygen through photosynthesis
B
By reflecting all sunlight back into space
C
By increasing the greenhouse effect
D
By absorbing UV radiation with the ozone layer
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of the Earth's atmosphere in protecting living organisms. The atmosphere acts as a shield against harmful radiation, including ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Learn about the ozone layer, which is a region of the Earth's stratosphere containing a high concentration of ozone (O₃) molecules. These molecules are crucial for absorbing UV radiation.
Recognize the mechanism of UV absorption: Ozone molecules absorb UV radiation, particularly UV-B and UV-C wavelengths, preventing them from reaching the Earth's surface where they could harm living organisms.
Clarify why the other options are incorrect: Oxygen production through photosynthesis does not directly protect against UV radiation, reflecting all sunlight would eliminate the energy needed for life, and increasing the greenhouse effect relates to heat retention, not UV protection.
Conclude that the correct answer is 'By absorbing UV radiation with the ozone layer,' as this is the primary function of the ozone layer in protecting life on Earth.