The correct answer is option 3: Ultraviolet rays. Ozone is a gas that is present in the Earth`s atmosphere, particularly in the ozone layer. The ozone layer is located in the stratosphere and acts as a protective shield against the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) rays from the Sun. Ultraviolet rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation that can cause various negative effects on living organisms, including damage to DNA, skin cancer, and eye damage. Ozone molecules in the ozone layer absorb and scatter the majority of UV-B and UV-C rays, preventing them from reaching the Earth`s surface in large amounts. This protective function of ozone is crucial for the preservation of life on Earth as it helps to maintain a safe environment for plants, animals, and humans.