Which of the following are effects of ozone layer depletion?

• A. Decreasing crop yields and threat to wild and marine life
• B. Increased rainfall
• C. Higher wind speeds
• D. No effect

Answer: (A)

More UV-B reaches the surface when the ozone layer is thinner, and that higher UV exposure is what drives the main effects. UV-B can damage plant DNA, reduce photosynthesis, and stunt growth, which translates into lower crop yields. It also stresses wild and marine life, especially organisms at the base of food webs like phytoplankton and other sensitive species, leading to broader ecological impacts.

The option mentioning decreasing crop yields and threats to wild and marine life best captures these direct, well-supported consequences of increased surface UV. Increased rainfall or higher wind speeds aren’t established direct effects of ozone depletion, and saying there’s no effect ignores the real ecological and agricultural harms caused by more UV radiation.