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Question No. 16Interactive Test Mode
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Q16. On the planet earth, most of the freshwater exists as ice caps and glaciers. Out of the remaining freshwater, the largest proportion:

On the planet earth, most of the freshwater exists as ice caps and glaciers. Out of the remaining freshwater, the largest proportion:

Select the correct option below (or cross out options to eliminate)

Official Answer Key & Detailed Solution

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Official UPSC Answer KeyUPSC Prelims 2013 • Environment and Ecology

Correct Answer: Option (C) — exists as groundwater

Concept & Option Breakdown

Standard Reference Verified

Out of Earth's total freshwater (~2.5% of all water):

  • Ice caps and glaciers hold ~68.7%.
  • Of the remaining liquid freshwater, groundwater constitutes by far the largest proportion (~30.1% of all freshwater, or >95% of liquid freshwater).
  • Surface freshwater (lakes, rivers, atmosphere, and soil moisture) together makes up only ~1.2% of total freshwater.
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Question Specifications & Syllabus Mapping

Examination & YearUPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2013 (Q16)
Paper & Marking SchemeGS Paper I • 2 Marks (-0.66 Negative for incorrect response)
Syllabus Subject & TopicEnvironment and Ecology → Ecology & Ecosystems
Official Answer KeyOption (C) — exists as groundwater

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Frequently Asked Questions — UPSC Prelims 2013 Q16

What is the official answer for UPSC Prelims 2013 GS Paper I Question 16 (Environment and Ecology)?

The official UPSC answer key for this 2013 Environment and Ecology (Ecology & Ecosystems) question is Option (C): "exists as groundwater". Correct attempts carry 2 Marks with -0.66 Negative penalty for wrong answers.

Which UPSC Prelims syllabus topic does this 2013 question belong to?

This question belongs to GS Paper I under the subject "Environment and Ecology" and micro-topic "Ecology & Ecosystems". You can explore all repeated questions from Ecology & Ecosystems in Acme AI's 3D Prelims PYQ Realm or practice 50 full-length and sectional tests in the APT Prelims Test Series.

How can I solve this Ecology & Ecosystems UPSC Prelims question using option elimination?

To solve Ecology & Ecosystems questions in UPSC Prelims, identify extreme modifiers, verify core NCERT conceptual definitions, and eliminate mutually contradictory statement pairs before locking your final option.

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