Which option best describes the way in which physical geography influenced modern population distribution?
A. Urbanization has increased population density as people move to cities for jobs
B. Cultural hearths attract a large number of migrants, increasing population density in nearby cities.
C.most people live in the midlatitudes because the climate is good for agriculture
D. Most people live in mountainous areas, as techniques were developed to grow food on slopes
A. Urbanization has increased population density as people move to cities for jobs
To answer this question, we need to analyze the options and evaluate how physical geography has influenced modern population distribution.
Option A states that urbanization has increased population density as people move to cities for jobs. This is indeed a significant factor influenced by physical geography. Cities often develop in locations that are favorable for trade and transportation, such as near rivers, ports, or natural resources. These factors are influenced by physical geography, which impacts the availability of resources and the ease of transportation. Therefore, option A is a valid influence of physical geography on modern population distribution.
Option B suggests that cultural hearths attract a large number of migrants, increasing population density in nearby cities. Cultural hearths refer to areas where civilization and cultural innovation first emerged. While cultural factors can influence population movement, this option does not specifically address physical geography as the main influencing factor. Therefore, we can eliminate option B.
Option C implies that most people live in the mid-latitudes because the climate is good for agriculture. This is a valid influence of physical geography. The mid-latitudes typically have moderate climates suitable for agricultural activities. As agriculture is a crucial component for sustaining populations, people tend to gather in areas with favorable conditions for farming. Thus, option C can be considered as a valid influence of physical geography.
Option D suggests that most people live in mountainous areas, as techniques were developed to grow food on slopes. While terraced farming on mountainous slopes is practiced in certain regions, it does not represent the overall global population distribution. Mountainous areas usually have more challenging living conditions, such as limited flat land, rugged terrain, and harsh climates. Hence, option D is not a suitable choice to describe the way physical geography influences modern population distribution.
In conclusion, option A (urbanization has increased population density as people move to cities for jobs) and option C (most people live in the mid-latitudes because the climate is good for agriculture) both accurately describe the influence of physical geography on modern population distribution.