Ozone layer protects Earth from which radiation?

The ozone layer, located in the Earth's stratosphere, plays a critical role in absorbing harmful solar radiation before it reaches the planet's surface, thereby protecting all forms of life.

• The correct option is Ultraviolet. The ozone layer primarily absorbs the vast majority of the sun's harmful Ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Exposure to excessive UV radiation can lead to severe health issues like skin cancer, cataracts, and can also cause significant damage to ecosystems.
• Distractors: "Microwave" radiation is part of the electromagnetic spectrum but is not significantly absorbed by the ozone layer. "Infrared" radiation is largely responsible for heating the Earth, but the ozone layer's main protective function is not against it. "Sigma" radiation is not a standard term for a type of electromagnetic radiation.