Name the five major oceans.

Name the five major oceans.

• A. Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Arctic, Southern (Antarctic) Ocean.
• B. Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Pacific, Atlantic.
• C. Atlantic, Indian, Arctic, Southern, Pacific.
• D. Pacific, Arctic, Atlantic, Indian, Southern Ocean.

Answer: (A)

Five large oceans surround the continents: the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Arctic, and Southern Ocean. The Southern Ocean is the body of water that encircles Antarctica and is widely recognized as a distinct ocean (often labeled Antarctic Ocean). Listing them as Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Arctic, and Southern (Antarctic) Ocean makes the set clear and unambiguous, which is why this option is the best. Other choices either repeat oceans, omit one of the five, or use less precise naming, which can cause confusion about the southern waters.

Five large oceans surround the continents: the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Arctic, and Southern Ocean. The Southern Ocean is the body of water that encircles Antarctica and is widely recognized as a distinct ocean (often labeled Antarctic Ocean). Listing them as Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Arctic, and Southern (Antarctic) Ocean makes the set clear and unambiguous, which is why this option is the best. Other choices either repeat oceans, omit one of the five, or use less precise naming, which can cause confusion about the southern waters.