What is the primary function of the ozone layer?

The primary function of the ozone layer is to absorb harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. This layer, located in the stratosphere, plays a critical role in protecting living organisms on Earth by filtering out the majority of the sun's harmful UV rays, which can cause various health issues such as skin cancer and cataracts, as well as ecological problems. Without the ozone layer's protective capability, life on Earth would be exposed to much higher levels of UV radiation, leading to detrimental effects on both human health and the environment.

The other options do not accurately represent the primary function of the ozone layer. While trapping heat is a function associated with the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, the ozone layer itself is not primarily responsible for this effect. Oxygen production occurs largely through photosynthesis in plants, not the ozone layer. Furthermore, while the ozone layer may influence some weather patterns indirectly, it is not a regulator of weather patterns like other atmospheric phenomena, such as jet streams or pressure systems.