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:
A. Trade and transportation
B. High agricultural productivity in these areas.
C. Abundant desert landscapes in inland regions.
D. Availability of freshwater resources.
C. Abundant desert landscapes in inland regions.
The correct answer is C. Abundant desert landscapes in inland regions.
East Asia is known for having a significant population living near rivers and the coast. This is primarily due to the following reasons:
A. Trade and transportation: Rivers and coastal areas provide convenient routes for trade and transportation, facilitating economic activities and connections between different regions.
B. High agricultural productivity in these areas: Rivers and coastal areas tend to have fertile soil and access to water, which supports agricultural activities and higher food production.
D. Availability of freshwater resources: Rivers and coastal areas provide a consistent supply of freshwater resources, which is essential for human settlements and various activities, such as agriculture, industry, and domestic use.
C. Abundant desert landscapes in inland regions: This statement is incorrect. Inland regions in East Asia, including areas such as the Gobi Desert and Taklamakan Desert, are not characterized by abundant desert landscapes. These areas are relatively dry and have limited water resources, making them less suitable for large human populations to settle.
To determine the correct answer, let's look at each option and assess whether it is a valid reason for why large populations in East Asia live near rivers and the coast:
A. Trade and transportation: This is a valid reason why people might choose to live near rivers and the coast. Rivers and coastal areas provide easy access to transportation routes and trade opportunities. Therefore, it is a plausible reason for the large populations in East Asia to gravitate towards these areas.
B. High agricultural productivity in these areas: This is also a valid reason why people choose to live near rivers and the coast. These regions tend to have fertile soil and access to water, making them ideal for agriculture, which can support large populations. Therefore, this is another plausible reason for the population concentration.
C. Abundant desert landscapes in inland regions: This option suggests that the absence of abundant desert landscapes in inland regions might be a reason why people choose to live near rivers and the coast. However, this is incorrect as it does not explain why people live near rivers and the coast. It is not a valid reason for the population concentration in these areas.
D. Availability of freshwater resources: This option is a valid reason for why people choose to live near rivers and the coast. Freshwater is essential for human survival, and rivers or coastal areas provide a convenient source of freshwater. Therefore, this is another plausible reason for the population concentration.
Based on the above analysis, the correct answer is: C. Abundant desert landscapes in inland regions, as it does not explain why large populations in East Asia live near rivers and the coast.