The correct answer is D) The cold climate and thin, rocky soil only allowed colonists small farms to produce just enough to support themselves.
The physical characteristics of New England that affected life in the area were "The cold climate and thin, rocky soil only allowed colonists small farms to produce just enough to support themselves."
When we are talking about the New England colonies we are referring to Massachusetts Bay Colony, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire.
New England soil was not as fertile as the soil in the Middle colonies or Southern colonies of America. Indeed, it has rocky soil not so good for farming. That is why people who lived in this region had to find other forms to work and feed their families such as building ships, whaling, and fishing.