Final answer:
The ozone layer absorbs harmful ultraviolet (UV) wavelengths of light, specifically UV-B and UV-C, protecting life on Earth by preventing these dangerous rays from causing severe cellular damage.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ozone layer absorbs harmful ultraviolet (UV) wavelengths of light. Specifically, the ozone in the stratosphere is very efficient at absorbing UV radiation, including UV-B and UV-C rays. UV-B light, which has wavelengths between 290 to 320 nm, is particularly harmful to living organisms, leading to skin cancers, cataracts, harm to crops, and marine life.
The ozone layer also absorbs all UV-C light, which has even shorter wavelengths ranging from 220 to 290 nm, preventing it from reaching the Earth's surface and causing cellular damage. By filtering out these dangerous wavelengths, the ozone protects life on our planet from the potential severe cell damage these rays could cause.