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.
Availability of freshwater resources.

Abundant desert landscapes in inland regions.

The correct answer is: Abundant desert landscapes in inland regions.

To determine the correct answer, let's analyze the options provided.

1. Trade and transportation: Living near rivers and the coast allows for easy access to trade routes and transportation. This is a valid reason for why large populations in East Asia would choose to live in these areas.

2. High agricultural productivity in these areas: Rivers and coastal regions often provide fertile soil and favorable climate conditions for agricultural activities. This can lead to high agricultural productivity and thus attract people to settle in these areas.

3. Abundant desert landscapes in inland regions: This option does not provide a reason for why large populations in East Asia would live near rivers and the coast. On the contrary, desert landscapes are not suitable for agriculture or trade and transportation, which are the main reasons for living near rivers and the coast.

4. Availability of freshwater resources: Rivers and the coast offer a source of freshwater, which is crucial for human settlements and various activities. This is also a valid reason for why large populations in East Asia would choose to live near rivers and the coast.

Based on the analysis, the correct answer is: Abundant desert landscapes in inland regions. This option does not provide a valid reason for why large populations in East Asia would live near rivers and the coast, as desert landscapes are not suitable for agriculture, trade, transportation, or the availability of freshwater resources.