How many Great Lakes are there in total, including Lake Ontario?

There are a total of five Great Lakes, which include Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario. These lakes form the largest group of freshwater lakes in the world by total area and are a significant geographical and ecological feature of North America. Recognizing the number of Great Lakes is essential for understanding their importance in terms of biodiversity, regional climates, and the economy. The grouping of five lakes signifies their interconnectedness and shared watershed, which affects water levels, shipping routes, and ecosystems across the region.