Final answer:
Lake Baikal is the largest freshwater lake by volume in the world, also known for its ecological biodiversity, with Lake Superior holding the title for the largest surface area of any freshwater lake.
Step-by-step explanation:
The largest fresh water lake by volume is Lake Baikal. Located in Siberia, Russia, Lake Baikal holds the distinction of being the largest freshwater lake in the world in terms of volume. It is also the deepest and among the clearest of all lakes. When comparing surface area, however, the title of the largest goes to Lake Superior in North America, which has the largest surface area of any freshwater lake in the world.
Lakes are an important surface water resource, and Lake Baikal was at one time pristine, but like many large bodies of freshwater, it has been affected by pollutants. The Great Lakes, including Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, also hold a significant portion of the world's surface fresh water, with the Great Lakes system accounting for 21% of it.
Lake Baikal's significance comes not only from its size but also from its ecological biodiversity. It is home to thousands of plant and animal species, many of which are endemic to the area.