What does the ozone layer primarily protect organisms from?

The ozone layer primarily protects organisms from ultraviolet (UV) light. This layer of ozone located in the stratosphere absorbs a significant portion of the sun's harmful UV radiation, particularly the most dangerous UV-B and UV-C types. By filtering out these high-energy wavelengths, the ozone layer plays a crucial role in shielding living organisms on Earth from their damaging effects, which can include skin cancer in humans, cataracts in eyes, and harm to various ecosystems.

The protection offered by the ozone layer is essential for maintaining the balance of life on our planet. Without this protective layer, increased UV radiation would have detrimental impacts on both human health and the environment, affecting plant growth and marine life, particularly organisms like phytoplankton that form the basis of aquatic food webs.

While infrared radiation, X-rays, and radio waves do have implications for various technologies and health, they do not represent the primary concern for the ozone layer's protective function, which is specifically to mitigate the risks associated with ultraviolet light.