Answer:
Ozone is a molecule composed of three oxygen atoms (O₃). It is found mainly in the stratosphere, where it forms the ozone layer that protects living organisms from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. In the troposphere, however, ozone acts as a pollutant and contributes to smog formation.
Ozone depletion allows more UV rays to reach Earth, causing skin cancer, eye damage, and reduced crop yield. Excess ozone near the surface harms plant tissues, decreases photosynthesis, and disrupts ecosystem balance. Thus, ozone plays a dual role—protecting life in the upper atmosphere while harming ecosystems when present at ground level.
Accepted answer:
Ozone is a molecule made of three oxygen atoms (O₃) that plays a critical role in ecosystems: Protective Role: In the stratosphere, it forms the ozone layer that absorbs harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, preventing skin cancer, eye damage, and immune system issues. Harmful Role: Near the Earth’s surface, ozone acts as a pollutant, damaging plant tissues, reducing photosynthesis, and affecting ecosystem balance. Thus, ozone is essential for life but has a dual impact depending on its location in the atmosphere
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Referece links for the anwer to the question (What is ozone and how does it affect any ecosystem?):
- “Health and Environmental Effects of Ozone Layer Depletion” — US EPA Environmental Protection Agency
- “Ecosystem Effects of Ozone Pollution” — US EPA Environmental Protection Agency
- “Ozone affects plant, insect, and soil microbial communities” (PMC / NCBI) PMC
- “Ozone effects on plants in natural ecosystems” (USDA Forest Service) research.fs.usda.gov+2US Forest Service+2
- “Overview — Effects of ozone layer depletion” — European Commission Climate Action
- “Tropospheric ozone is a highly reactive oxidant … reduces crop productivity” — Climate & Clean Air Coalition ccacoalition.org