Despite the devastation caused by flooding, large populations of people in east Asia live near rivers and the coast for all of the reasons below, except
Trade and transportation
High agricultural productivity in these areas
Abundant desert landscapes in islands regions
Availability of freshwater resources
Abundant desert landscapes in islands regions.
The correct answer is: Abundant desert landscapes in island regions
People in East Asia live near rivers and the coast for several reasons, including trade and transportation, high agricultural productivity in these areas, and availability of freshwater resources. However, the presence of abundant desert landscapes in island regions is not a reason for large populations to live near rivers and the coast.
To arrive at this answer, you need to understand the factors that influence the settlement patterns of populations in different regions. In this case, you can eliminate the option of abundant desert landscapes in island regions because deserts are typically arid and have limited water resources, which is the opposite of what people seek when settling near rivers and the coast.
Therefore, the other options, trade and transportation, high agricultural productivity, and availability of freshwater resources, are more likely reasons for large populations to live near rivers and the coast in East Asia.