What role does the ozone layer play in the ecosystem?

The ozone layer plays a crucial role in protecting life on Earth by absorbing the majority of the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This protection is essential for various organisms, including humans, animals, and plants, as excessive exposure to UV radiation can lead to serious health effects, such as skin cancer, immune system suppression, and eye damage. For plants, UV radiation can impair their growth and photosynthesis, disrupt the food chain, and affect biodiversity.

The other options, while important aspects of ecological balance, do not accurately describe the primary function of the ozone layer. For instance, while the climate has many regulating factors, the ozone layer does not play a direct role in climate regulation. Nutrients for producers typically come from soil and water rather than the ozone layer, and while the ozone layer protects against harmful UV radiation, it does not directly facilitate the photosynthesis process; rather, it serves to shield organisms from the detrimental effects of those rays.