Question

Who among these defined lake as a body of standing water and occupying basin and lacking continuity with the sea?

• A. S A Forbes
• B. S R Carpenter
• C. G E Hutchinson
• D. F A Forel

Hint:

Forel = Founder. Whenever you see a foundational or primary definition of a lake or the term "Limnology," the answer is likely to be F.A. Forel.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question identifies the pioneer scientist who provided the foundational definition of a "lake" in the field of limnology.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

• Francois-Alphonse Forel: He is widely considered the "Father of Limnology". In his landmark three-volume work, Le Leman: Monographie Limnologique (published 1892–1904), he established the study of lakes as a distinct science. He defined a lake as a body of standing water, occupying a basin, and lacking direct continuity with the sea.

• G E Hutchinson (Option C): Another giant of limnology, known for his four-volume Treatise on Limnology, but he came much later and focused on ecological niches and the biological aspects.

• S A Forbes (Option A): Famous for his essay "The Lake as a Microcosm" (1887), which emphasized the integrated ecological nature of lakes, but he is not the author of the standard physical definition mentioned.

• Importance of the Definition: This definition separates "lakes" from "estuaries" (which have sea continuity) and "rivers" (which are not standing water).

Step 3: Final Answer:
The definition was given by F A Forel.