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)
Trade and transportation
High agricultural productivity in these areas.
Abundant desert landscapes in inland regions.
Availability of freshwater resources.
Abundant desert landscapes in inland regions.
The reason that does not support why large populations of people in East Asia live near rivers and the coast is: Abundant desert landscapes in inland regions.
To determine the correct answer to this question, we need to understand the reasons why large populations of people in East Asia live near rivers and the coast. Let's examine each given option:
1. Trade and transportation: Living near rivers and the coast provides easy access to waterways, enabling trade and transportation. This is a valid reason for why people would choose to settle in these areas.
2. High agricultural productivity in these areas: Rivers and coastal regions often have fertile soil and access to water, which facilitates agricultural activities. This reason is also valid.
3. Abundant desert landscapes in inland regions: This option states that large populations of people in East Asia do not live near rivers and the coast because of abundant desert landscapes in inland regions. However, this statement is not a valid reason for why people would choose to live near rivers and the coast. It does not provide any supportive information.
4. Availability of freshwater resources: Rivers and coastal areas are important sources of freshwater, which is crucial for human settlements. This reason is also valid.
Based on the explanations above, we can conclude that the correct answer to this question is: "Abundant desert landscapes in inland regions." This option is the only one that does not provide a valid reason for why people in East Asia live near rivers and the coast.