Ozone in the stratosphere plays a crucial role in protecting life on Earth by absorbing a significant portion of ultraviolet (UV) radiation that comes from the sun. The stratospheric ozone layer acts as a shield, filtering out harmful UV rays, particularly UV-B and UV-C, which can cause serious damage to living organisms, including humans. Prolonged exposure to these types of radiation can lead to adverse effects such as skin cancer, cataracts, and negative impacts on marine ecosystems and wildlife.
In contrast, infrared radiation is primarily associated with heat and does not pose the same threats to biological systems. Gamma radiation and X-ray radiation have much higher energy levels and are typically of concern in different contexts, such as medical imaging or nuclear reactions, rather than being significantly mitigated by the ozone layer. Thus, ozone's protective function specifically targets ultraviolet rays, which directly correlates with its role in preserving life and maintaining ecological balance on the planet.