Ozone depletion is a global issue affecting which of the following groups?

• A. Only marine life
• B. Only humans in polluted cities
• C. All living beings on Earth
• D. Only birds and insects

Answer: (C)

Ozone in the stratosphere acts like a global sunscreen, soaking up most of the sun’s harmful UV-B radiation. When ozone is depleted, more UV-B reaches the surface. That extra UV exposure affects all living things because it can damage DNA, disrupt growth, reduce photosynthesis in plants, and increase disease and health problems in animals and humans. The atmosphere blends air around the planet, so the impact isn’t limited to a single location or group; it is a worldwide effect. For humans, it raises risks of skin cancer and cataracts and can alter immune function; for plants and crops, growth and yields can suffer; for marine life, increased UV can harm phytoplankton, which sit at the base of the ocean food web. All of these points show why ozone depletion is a global issue that affects all living beings on Earth.