Mountains cover approximately 26% of the Earth’s total land surface. While they occupy over a quarter of the lithosphere’s area, their distribution is uneven, concentrated primarily in major belts like the Himalayas andes and Rockies. This significant portion of the Earth’s surface plays a vital role in global weather patterns, water cycles and biodiversity conservation. ANSWER: (C) 26%
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Mountains are a dominant feature of the Earth’s lithosphere, covering about 26% of its total land area. Geographically, these regions are essential as “water towers,” providing fresh water to nearly half of humanity. Their presence influences global climate by acting as barriers to wind and moisture, leading to orographic rainfall. While they cover a substantial area, mountains are often sparsely populated due to rugged terrain and harsh climates. Understanding this percentage is crucial for environmental planning, as these regions are highly sensitive to climate change and human-induced land degradation, impacting the ecosystem services they provide.