Arrange the following water bodies in increasing order of the quantity of freshwater they hold.

1.Ice and snow

2.Freshwater lakes and reservoirs

3.Groundwater

4.Rivers and streams

A4, 2, 3, 1 ✓ Correct

B2, 3, 4, 1

C2, 4, 1, 3

D4, 2, 1, 3

Correct answer: (A) 4, 2, 3, 1

Explanation

Rivers and streams hold the least freshwater, then lakes and reservoirs, then groundwater, with ice and snow holding the most.

Rivers and streams carry only a tiny, fast-moving fraction of fresh water.

Freshwater lakes and reservoirs store more, though still a small share.

Groundwater is by far the largest liquid store of fresh water.

Ice and snow in glaciers and ice caps lock up the greatest amount of all.

This gives the increasing order rivers, then lakes, then groundwater, then ice and snow.

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