Tectonic lakes, formed by faulting, subsidence, and rifting of the Earth’s crust, are typically characterized by extreme depth, ancient origins, and high species endemism. Which of the following major global water bodies is the prime example of a deep rift lake, renowned for holding approximately 20% of the world’s unfrozen surface freshwater?

💡 Explanation:

Lake Baikal is the deepest and oldest lake in the world, formed in the Baikal Rift Zone. It holds the largest volume of freshwater globally and exhibits high levels of endemism, making it the archetypal example of a deep, ancient tectonic rift lake. While Lake Victoria is part of the East African Rift system, it is much shallower and younger.