Registered Environmental Manager (REM) Practice Exam

Which of the following is an environmental impact of ozone?

1. Enhancing crop yields

2. Stunting tree growth

3. Improving soil nutrients

4. Increasing biodiversity

The correct answer is: Stunting tree growth

The environmental impact of ozone that stands out prominently is its role in stunting tree growth. Ozone, particularly at ground level, is a harmful air pollutant formed from the reaction of sunlight with pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides. When trees are exposed to elevated levels of ground-level ozone, it can cause leaf damage, leading to reduced photosynthesis, impaired growth, and overall stunted development. Ozone affects the physiological processes of trees, resulting in reduced growth rates, increased susceptibility to diseases, and even higher mortality rates in extreme cases. The cellular damage caused by ozone can manifest as visible leaf injury, such as stippling or bleaching, and these effects can compromise a tree's ability to thrive in its environment. In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the environmental impacts of ozone. Enhancing crop yields, improving soil nutrients, and increasing biodiversity do not align with the well-documented negative effects of ozone pollution on plant health and ecosystems.