Which detail best supports the main effect of a drought on a lake?

• A. The drought caused nearby plants to wither
• B. The drought led to lower water temperature
• C. The lake's surface exposed mud
• D. The town hosted a festival due to drought

Answer: (C)

Lower water levels from a drought directly show the lake being reduced in size, revealing areas that were previously underwater. The clearest indication of this change is the lake’s surface exposing mud, which demonstrates that the bed is now dry and visible. Withered plants indicate drought effects elsewhere, not the lake itself; lower water temperature is not a typical direct consequence of drought on a lake; a festival is unrelated to the lake’s physical condition. Exposed mud best demonstrates the drought’s impact on the lake.