Question
Medium
Solving time: 3 mins
(i) Why is the ozone layer required in the stratosphere ? How does it get degraded ? Explain.
(ii) Why is the ozone depletion a threat to mankind ?
Found 8 tutors discussing this question
Discuss this question LIVE
7 mins ago
Text solutionVerified
(i) The ozone formed in the stratosphere is called ‘good’ ozone, as it acts as a shield and absorbs the ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
The major ozone-depleting substances are chlorofluorocarbons, which release active chlorine in the presence of UV. The chlorine atoms degrade ozone into molecular oxygen.
(ii) (a) The thinning of the ozone layer results in an increase in the UV radiation reaching the earth’s surface. 5% loss of ozone results in a 10% increase in UV radiation.
(b) In humans, the increased UV radiation increases the incidence of cataract and skin cancer (including melanoma) and diminishes the functioning of the immune system.
(c) Elevated levels of UV radiation affect photosynthesis as well as damage nucleic acids in living organisms. UV radiation inhibits photosynthesis in most phytoplankton as it penetrates through the clear open ocean water.
(d) This, in turn, can affect the whole food chain of organisms that depends on the phytoplankton.
The major ozone-depleting substances are chlorofluorocarbons, which release active chlorine in the presence of UV. The chlorine atoms degrade ozone into molecular oxygen.
(ii) (a) The thinning of the ozone layer results in an increase in the UV radiation reaching the earth’s surface. 5% loss of ozone results in a 10% increase in UV radiation.
(b) In humans, the increased UV radiation increases the incidence of cataract and skin cancer (including melanoma) and diminishes the functioning of the immune system.
(c) Elevated levels of UV radiation affect photosynthesis as well as damage nucleic acids in living organisms. UV radiation inhibits photosynthesis in most phytoplankton as it penetrates through the clear open ocean water.
(d) This, in turn, can affect the whole food chain of organisms that depends on the phytoplankton.
Was this solution helpful?
116
Share
Report
One destination to cover all your homework and assignment needs
Learn Practice Revision Succeed
Instant 1:1 help, 24x7
60, 000+ Expert tutors
Textbook solutions
Big idea maths, McGraw-Hill Education etc
Essay review
Get expert feedback on your essay
Schedule classes
High dosage tutoring from Dedicated 3 experts
Practice questions from Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Class 12 Biology Chapterwise and Topicwise (Oswaal)
Question 1
Medium
Views: 5,318
(ii) Explain any three measures that you as an individual would take to reduce environmental pollution.
Question 3
Easy
Views: 5,442
Question 4
Easy
Views: 5,585
Answer the questions based on the facts given above :
(i) Name the organisms depicting the patterns A and B.
(ii) State the reason for the growth patterns seen in A.
(iii) Write the effects of the growth patterns seen above.
Practice more questions from Environmental Issues
Question 2
Easy
Views: 5,631
Question 4
Easy
Views: 5,628
Practice questions on similar concepts asked by Filo students
Question 2
Views: 5,952
Question 3
Views: 5,289
Stuck on the question or explanation?
Connect with our Biology tutors online and get step by step solution of this question.
231 students are taking LIVE classes
Question Text | (i) Why is the ozone layer required in the stratosphere ? How does it get degraded ? Explain. (ii) Why is the ozone depletion a threat to mankind ? |
Topic | Environmental Issues |
Subject | Biology |
Class | Class 12 |
Answer Type | Text solution:1 |
Upvotes | 116 |