UPSC Previous Year Question | Prelims GS | 2018

Which of the following has/have shrunk immensely/dried up in the recent past due to human activities? 1. Aral Sea 2. Black Sea 3. Lake Baikal. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 and 3
  3. 2 only
  4. 1 and 3

Answer

Correct Answer

1 and 3

Explanation

The Aral Sea has shrunk dramatically because the Amu Darya and Syr Darya were diverted for irrigation. Lake Baikal has also seen falling water levels linked to human activity and climate factors, and UPSC accepted 1 and 3. The Black Sea has not shrunk in this manner.

Topics: geography, lake baikal), lakes and inland seas, shrinking water bodies (aral sea, world geography