• What is it? Ultraviolet radiation is a type of light energy that is invisible to our eyes. It's much stronger than visible light and can be harmful.
• Why does it matter? Too much UV radiation can harm living tissues and the productivity of some ecosystems.

Real-world Example: It's like how too much sun can give you sunburn, but on a bigger scale affecting plants, animals, and entire ecosystems!

• Which ecosystems? Ecosystems that contribute majorly to our world's biodiversity.
• What happens? UV radiation damages plant tissues and plankton. Imagine plants getting a sunburn!

• Big Victim: Marine phytoplankton. They're like the tiny plants of the sea and are one of the primary food sources for many marine animals.
• The issue? UV radiation reduces their photosynthesis. It's like they're running out of battery!
• Who else gets affected? Organisms in the upper layers of water, especially those at the surface in their early life stages like fish eggs and larvae.
• Good News: Most adult fish are safe as they chill in deeper waters, away from the harsh UV rays.

Real-world Example: Think of young fishes like toddlers who need sunblock at the beach. Too much sun (or UV radiation) can be harmful to them!