Groundwater is crucial for:

• A. Only agricultural purposes
• B. Human consumption and ecosystem health
• C. Only industrial use
• D. Only surface activities

Answer: (B)

Groundwater plays a vital role in both human consumption and the health of ecosystems. For human consumption, it serves as a key source of drinking water. Many communities rely on groundwater for their daily water needs, making it essential for public health and sanitation.

In terms of ecosystem health, groundwater contributes to maintaining wetlands and providing necessary moisture for flora and fauna. It supports surface water bodies, influencing their volume and quality by discharging water into lakes and rivers. This interaction is crucial for sustaining aquatic life and the overall balance of natural habitats.

Other options, while they may touch on aspects of groundwater usage, fail to recognize the broader significance of groundwater in both the human and ecological contexts, which is why the focus on both these areas is essential to understanding its importance.