What is ozone and how does it affect any ecosystem?
Ozone is a molecule formed by three atoms of oxygen (). While oxygen () is essential for aerobic life, ozone is a deadly poison. At higher levels of the atmosphere, it is formed when UV radiation splits molecular oxygen into free atoms, which then combine with oxygen to form ozone.
Ozone affects the ecosystem by performing an essential function: it shields the earth's surface from ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the Sun. This radiation is highly damaging to organisms and is known to cause skin cancer in human beings. Thus, the ozone layer protects the ecosystem from harmful radiation.
Explanation
The answer is derived directly from the section '13.2.1 Ozone Layer and How it is Getting Depleted'. It defines ozone using the text's description of it being a molecule of three oxygen atoms and a deadly poison. The effect on the ecosystem is explained by citing its role in shielding the earth from UV radiation, preventing damage like skin cancer to organisms.