Quantitative Literacy Practice Exam

What action could be taken if annual rainfall is below the mean for several consecutive years?

1. Increase water conservation methods

2. Reduce agricultural planning

3. Increase infrastructure for drainage

4. Promote tourism

The correct answer is: Increase water conservation methods

Increasing water conservation methods is a prudent action when annual rainfall is below the mean for several consecutive years. Prolonged periods of below-average rainfall can lead to water shortages, affecting both drinking water supplies and irrigation for agriculture. Implementing water conservation techniques—such as rainwater harvesting, improving irrigation efficiency, and promoting drought-resistant plants—can help manage limited water resources more effectively and sustain ecosystems and human activities during dry spells. While reducing agricultural planning might seem viable, it potentially undermines food security in the long term. Increasing infrastructure for drainage is generally more applicable to areas with excessive rainfall, as opposed to areas experiencing drought conditions. Promoting tourism may not directly address the critical need for water conservation in a drought scenario, and it may not mitigate the underlying issues caused by low rainfall levels. Thus, prioritizing water conservation is essential in response to consistently lower rainfall trends.