Final answer:
Mountain ranges can act as boundaries, such as the Himalayas separating India and China. Rivers, like the Rio Grande between the United States and Mexico, can also serve as boundaries. Lakes, deserts, shipping lanes, sea limits extended by claims on offshore islands, and states' 200-mile offshore boundaries are other examples of boundary types.
Step-by-step explanation:
1. Mountain ranges: The Himalayan Mountains form a natural boundary separating India and China. Alpine mountain ranges in Europe create borders, such as the boundary between Switzerland and Italy.
2. Rivers: The Rio Grande serves as a boundary between the United States and Mexico. The Saint Lawrence Seaway and the Great Lakes form a major part of the eastern border between Canada and the United States.
3. Lakes: Large lakes can serve as boundaries between countries. One example is Lake Titicaca, which forms part of the border between Peru and Bolivia. Lake Chad serves as a boundary between Chad, Niger, Nigeria, and Cameroon.
4. Deserts: Deserts can also act as boundaries. The Sahara Desert separates Northern Africa from the countries in the Sahel region. The Atacama Desert forms a natural border between Chile and Peru.
5. Shipping lanes as borders: The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, is a critical shipping lane and acts as a border for those countries. The Straits of Malacca, between Malaysia and Indonesia, also serve as a shipping lane and a border.
6. Sea limits extended by claims on offshore islands: China has extended its sea limits by claiming ownership of offshore islands in the South China Sea. Japan has also claimed ownership of offshore islands, extending its sea limits in the East China Sea.
7. States that claim a 200-mile offshore boundary: The United States and many other countries claim a 200-mile offshore boundary, known as an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), to assert their rights over natural resources in the waters.