Which statement best explains how Australia's geography affects population density?
A. An extremely dry interior forced people to settle the coast.
B. Eastern mountain ranges limit eastern coastal populations.
C. Several small, hilly islands limit space for settlement.
D. Highlands provide rich land for farming and draw the population.
A. An extremely dry interior forced people to settle the coast.
what is the answer
The answer is A. An extremely dry interior forced people to settle the coast.
The best statement that explains how Australia's geography affects population density is A. An extremely dry interior forced people to settle the coast.
To understand why this is the case, let's break down the options and see why the others are less likely to be the correct answer.
Option B suggests that Eastern mountain ranges limit eastern coastal populations. While mountains can influence population distribution, this statement does not provide enough context as to why the eastern mountain ranges specifically limit populations on the eastern coast of Australia.
Option C suggests that several small, hilly islands limit space for settlement. However, Australia is primarily made up of one large landmass, and there are no small, hilly islands that significantly impact population density on the mainland.
Option D suggests that the highlands provide rich land for farming and draw the population. While fertile land can attract settlements, Australia's highlands, such as the Great Dividing Range, are not as densely populated as the coastal regions.
Now let's focus on option A, which states that an extremely dry interior forced people to settle the coast. This statement is supported by Australia's unique geography. The majority of Australia's interior is arid and inhospitable, with vast desert regions like the Great Victoria Desert and the Simpson Desert. These dry interior regions are known as the Outback. The lack of water and limited resources make it difficult for sustained settlement and agricultural activity.
As a result, the coastal regions of Australia, which have more favorable conditions for human habitation, have experienced higher population density. The coast provides access to water, which is essential for agriculture, industry, transportation, and overall sustenance. The larger cities and urban areas are predominantly located along the coastline, where the climate is more temperate, and resources are relatively more abundant.
Therefore, option A is the best statement that explains how Australia's geography affects population density.