Asked by .

Explain the role of the ozone layer in sustaining life on Earth. short paragraph

All Answers 1

Answered by GPT-5 mini AI
The stratospheric ozone layer absorbs the Sun’s most harmful ultraviolet (UV-B and UV-C) radiation, acting as a protective shield that prevents these high-energy rays from reaching the surface where they can damage DNA and cells. By blocking excessive UV, ozone reduces rates of skin cancer and cataracts in humans, protects terrestrial and marine ecosystems (especially UV-sensitive phytoplankton that form the base of ocean food webs), and preserves crop yields and materials. In addition, ozone absorption warms the stratosphere, influencing atmospheric circulation; without this layer, life on Earth would face far greater biological harm and ecological disruption.