The stratosphere, positioned above the troposphere and beneath the mesosphere, is a vital layer of Earth's atmosphere. Its primary function is safeguarding life by absorbing harmful solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The gas primarily responsible for this protective shield in the stratosphere is:
Ozone (O3), a molecule composed of three oxygen atoms, differs from the oxygen (O2) we inhale. It constitutes the ozone layer, which efficiently absorbs and disperses ultraviolet solar radiation, thereby sustaining life and maintaining ecological equilibrium.
| Gas | Presence in Stratosphere |
|---|---|
| Ozone | High concentration |
| Carbon dioxide | Not predominant |
| Methane | Not predominant |
| Hydrogen | Not predominant |
Therefore, the gas identified as being present in the stratosphere is unequivocally Ozone.
| List-I (Recent Extinction) | List-II (Place) |
| (A) Dodo | (I) Africa |
| (B) Quagga | (II) Russia |
| (C) Thylacine | (III) Mauritius |
| (D) Steller’s Sea Cow | (IV) Australia |