UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Stratospheric ozone absorbs much of the Sun’s harmful UV-B radiation; when the ozone layer thins, more UV-B reaches the surface, increasing risks of skin cancers, cataracts and immune system suppression.

Option A:
Correct; it directly links ozone depletion to greater UV-B exposure and the associated health effects such as skin cancer and cataracts.

Option B:
Incorrect; indoor air pollution is mainly caused by fuels and ventilation conditions, not by changes in the ozone layer.

Option C:
Incorrect; tectonic activity and earthquakes are unrelated to atmospheric ozone levels.

Option D:
Incorrect; ozone depletion does not cause greenhouse gases to disappear; ozone issues and climate change are distinct though related problems.

The ozone layer filters out most of the Sun’s biologically harmful ultraviolet radiation,particularly UV B. Without this layer,organisms would face much higher risks of skin cancer,eye cataracts and damage to DNA. The stem refers directly to harmful solar radiation that is absorbed,which identifies ultraviolet as the correct type. Therefore Option B is right.

Option A:
Infrared radiation is associated primarily with heat and plays a role in the greenhouse effect rather than in causing severe biological damage at normal levels. The ozone layer does not primarily target infrared,so this option does not fit the question.

Option B:
Ultraviolet radiation at high intensities can damage living tissues and ecosystems. Ozone molecules in the stratosphere absorb much of this radiation,acting as a protective shield. This matches exactly the function described in the stem.

Option C:
Microwave radiation is used in communication and cooking applications and is not the main focus of ozone absorption. It interacts differently with the atmosphere,so it is not a suitable answer here.

Option D:
Radio waves have long wavelengths and low energy and are widely used for broadcasting. They are not significantly harmful at typical environmental levels and are not what the ozone layer shields us from.