Which reason best explains why certain areas of Southwest Asia have low population density?
A.
The semi-arid climate makes farming difficult because it produces very little rainfall.
B.
The moist climate limits job opportunities because it reduces oil production.
C.
The semi-arid climate produces heavy rainfall that contributes to devastating floods.
D.
The moist climate reduces agricultural production by causing water shortages.
A. The semi-arid climate makes farming difficult because it produces very little rainfall.
The correct answer is A. The semi-arid climate makes farming difficult because it produces very little rainfall. This lack of rainfall significantly affects the ability to grow crops and sustain agricultural activities, resulting in low population density in these areas of Southwest Asia.
The best reason that explains why certain areas of Southwest Asia have low population density is option A - The semi-arid climate makes farming difficult because it produces very little rainfall.
Explanation: To determine the answer, we need to analyze the given options and see which one provides the most logical explanation.
Option A states that the semi-arid climate in Southwest Asia makes farming difficult due to very little rainfall. This is a valid reason because agriculture heavily relies on water availability for irrigation. In an area with low rainfall, it becomes challenging to maintain successful farming practices, leading to limited agricultural production and consequently lower population density.
Option B states that moist climate limits job opportunities because it reduces oil production. While Southwest Asia is known for its abundant oil reserves, the question does not mention the correlation between the moist climate and oil production. Therefore, option B does not directly address population density.
Option C claims that the semi-arid climate produces heavy rainfall contributing to devastating floods. However, this seems contradictory because semi-arid climates typically receive very little rainfall. Additionally, heavy rainfall leading to floods does not necessarily explain low population density.
Option D suggests that the moist climate reduces agricultural production by causing water shortages. However, this contradicts the idea of a moist climate, which typically implies sufficient water availability.
In conclusion, option A is the most appropriate answer as it provides a logical connection between the semi-arid climate and low population density through the limitations it imposes on farming and agricultural productivity.