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

To produce oxygen for breathing.

To absorb harmful ultraviolet light.

To trap heat and regulate global temperature.

To reflect visible sunlight back into space.

A scientist is studying a newly discovered planet with an atmosphere that contains nitrogen and carbon dioxide but lacks an ozone layer. What is a likely characteristic of this planet's surface?

Intense levels of UV radiation.

A complete lack of solar energy.

An unusually bright and reflective surface.

Extremely low surface temperatures.

A sharp decrease in average global temperatures.

A significant increase in the amount of harmful UV radiation reaching the surface.

A noticeable reduction in the amount of visible light, causing constant twilight.

A strengthening of the Earth's magnetic field due to atmospheric changes.

Because it is much denser and physically blocks the radiation.

Because its unique chemical properties are specifically suited to interact with and absorb UV energy.

Because it is located in the lowest part of the atmosphere, blocking UV light first.

Because it is a reflective gas that acts like a mirror for UV light.

The general atmosphere is more important for blocking UV light than ozone is.

Ozone is the only gas in the atmosphere that interacts with any form of solar energy.

The atmosphere as a whole may block various types of energy, but ozone is specialized for targeting and absorbing UV light.

Ozone is a pollutant, while the rest of the atmosphere is beneficial for filtering sunlight.