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:(1 point)

Responses

Trade and transportation
Trade and transportation

High agricultural productivity in these areas.
High agricultural productivity in these areas.

Abundant desert landscapes in inland regions.
Abundant desert landscapes in inland regions.

Availability of freshwater resources.

Abundant desert landscapes in inland regions.

The reason that does not apply is "Abundant desert landscapes in inland regions."

To determine the correct answer, we need to analyze each option and identify the one that does not explain why people in East Asia live near rivers and the coast.

1. Trade and transportation: Living near rivers and the coast provides convenient access to waterways, enabling trade and transportation. This is a valid reason for people to reside in such areas.

2. High agricultural productivity in these areas: Rivers and coastal regions often have fertile soil and access to water, which are essential for agriculture. This is another valid reason for people to live in these areas.

3. Abundant desert landscapes in inland regions: This option suggests that abundant desert landscapes in inland regions are not a reason for people to live near rivers and the coast. However, this does not align with the question, as it focuses on reasons for living near rivers and the coast, not inland regions.

4. Availability of freshwater resources: Rivers and the coast are abundant sources of freshwater, which is critical for human survival. This is a valid reason for people to choose to live near these areas.

Based on the provided options, the correct answer is: Abundant desert landscapes in inland regions. This is the option that does not explain why people in East Asia live near rivers and the coast.