Question

Ozone depletion would impact the plant community in several ways. These include :

I. Increase in photosynthesis

II. Decline in water use efficiency

III. Decline in yield of plants

(a) I & II (b) Only III (c) II & III (d) All the above

Answer 1

(c) Photosynthesis would decrease as increased UV radiations (due to ozone depletion) would make it difficult for leaves of green plants to exchange gases with the atmosphere. Due to increased temperature consequent upon increased UV radiation, the evaporation rate of surface water will increase and soil moisture would decrease leading to drying of agricultural crops and hence reduced yield.