Which of the following is a body of water that covers a large portion of the Earth?

The option referring to the ocean is correct because oceans are vast bodies of saltwater that cover more than 70% of the Earth's surface. They are the largest and deepest bodies of water, playing a crucial role in the planet's climate, weather patterns, and ecosystem. Oceans are significant for global shipping, fisheries, and recreational activities, and they support a diverse range of marine life.

In contrast, lakes and ponds are smaller inland bodies of water that are typically surrounded by land. While they can be significant sources of freshwater and habitats for various species, their scale is much smaller than that of oceans. Streams are also smaller bodies of flowing water, usually part of a river system, and do not cover large areas like oceans do. This distinction in size and ecological impact highlights why the ocean is considered the prominent body of water on Earth.