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Multiple Choice
Why is stratospheric ozone so important to our environment?
A
It absorbs harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the Sun, protecting living organisms.
B
It provides essential nutrients for plant growth.
C
It acts as a greenhouse gas, warming the Earth's surface.
D
It increases the amount of oxygen available for respiration.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of stratospheric ozone: Stratospheric ozone is a layer of ozone (O₃) molecules located in the Earth's stratosphere. Its primary function is to absorb ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the Sun, specifically UV-B and UV-C rays, which are harmful to living organisms.
Clarify the harmful effects of UV radiation: UV radiation can damage DNA in living organisms, leading to mutations, skin cancer, and other health issues in humans. It can also harm ecosystems, such as phytoplankton in aquatic environments, which are critical to the food chain.
Eliminate incorrect options: Review the provided choices and eliminate those that do not align with the primary function of stratospheric ozone. For example, ozone does not provide essential nutrients for plant growth, nor does it directly increase oxygen availability for respiration.
Address the greenhouse gas misconception: While ozone can act as a greenhouse gas in the troposphere, its role in the stratosphere is not primarily related to warming the Earth's surface. Its main environmental importance lies in UV radiation absorption.
Conclude with the correct answer: The correct answer is that stratospheric ozone absorbs harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the Sun, protecting living organisms. This is its most critical environmental function.