Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) Degree Practice Exam

What is the function of ozone in the Earth's atmosphere?

1. It regulates temperature

2. It protects against excessive ultraviolet radiation

3. It assists in carbon fixation

4. It is a greenhouse gas

The correct answer is: It protects against excessive ultraviolet radiation

The function of ozone in the Earth's atmosphere primarily relates to its role in protecting life on the planet. Ozone, which is a molecule made up of three oxygen atoms, forms a layer in the stratosphere, commonly referred to as the ozone layer. This layer is crucial because it absorbs the majority of the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. By filtering out these UV rays, ozone helps prevent various negative impacts associated with increased exposure, such as skin cancer, cataracts, and damaging effects on ecosystems. This protective quality makes ozone vital for maintaining the health of living organisms and protecting the biosphere. While other choices mention important atmospheric functions, they do not accurately capture the primary role of ozone. Regulating temperature and being a greenhouse gas concerns broader atmospheric dynamics and climate change related gases, respectively, and not ozone's specific protective function against UV radiation. Carbon fixation, on the other hand, is associated primarily with plants converting CO2 into organic compounds and does not involve the action of ozone. Thus, the correct response highlights the essential protective role that ozone plays in safeguarding the Earth from harmful solar radiation.