Which statement is true regarding the distribution of population throughout the world?
a. Three-fourths of the world population occupies half of the planet's surface because of the abundance of hospitable land.
b. Three-fourths of the world population occupies 5 percent of the planet's surface due to water and less hospitable land.***
c. Three-fourths of the world population now occupies half of the planet's surface due to diminishing polar areas as a result of global warming.
d. Half of the world population occupies 5 percent of the planet's surface due to more advanced forms of transportation.
I think you are correct.
To determine which statement is true regarding the distribution of population throughout the world, we can evaluate each option and the explanations behind them.
a. Three-fourths of the world population occupies half of the planet's surface because of the abundance of hospitable land.
This statement suggests that the distribution of population is primarily determined by the availability of hospitable land. However, it does not provide any evidence or explanation to support this claim. To verify this statement, we would need to analyze factors such as climate, resources, and infrastructure across different regions.
b. Three-fourths of the world population occupies 5 percent of the planet's surface due to water and less hospitable land.
This statement suggests that a large portion of the world's population is concentrated in a small percentage of the Earth's surface due to factors like the presence of water bodies and less habitable land. It is generally accepted that human settlements tend to be concentrated around water sources and in areas with favorable conditions for agriculture and infrastructure development. Therefore, option b is a likely answer.
c. Three-fourths of the world population now occupies half of the planet's surface due to diminishing polar areas as a result of global warming.
This statement proposes that the distribution of the world's population has changed due to global warming, with more people occupying areas previously covered by polar ice. While global warming does have an impact on the Earth's polar regions, it is unlikely to be the sole cause for a significant shift in population distribution. Additionally, this option suggests that half of the planet's surface is now inhabited, while the previous options state a smaller percentage. Therefore, option c is not a likely answer.
d. Half of the world population occupies 5 percent of the planet's surface due to more advanced forms of transportation.
This statement suggests that improvements in transportation have allowed a significant portion of the world's population to reside in a small proportion of the Earth's surface. While advancements in transportation have facilitated mobility and migration, they are unlikely to be the primary factor behind such concentrated population distribution. Therefore, option d is not a likely answer.
Based on the explanations provided, option b, "Three-fourths of the world population occupies 5 percent of the planet's surface due to water and less hospitable land," is the most plausible answer.