Answer: A
Step-by-step explanation:
The physical characteristic that most likely helped determine where a city was built is bodies of water that provided effective movement of goods and people.
A. Bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, and coastlines were crucial for transportation and trade. They allowed goods and people to be easily transported to and from the city, facilitating economic growth and cultural exchange.
For example, cities built along major rivers like the Nile in ancient Egypt, the Tigris and Euphrates in Mesopotamia, and the Yangtze in China flourished due to the availability of water transportation.
In addition, cities located near coastlines benefited from access to shipping routes, fishing resources, and opportunities for international trade.
B. While areas of less fertile land were important for farming, they were not the determining factor for city locations. Fertile land could be found both within and outside of cities, and cities could also thrive by relying on trade and other industries instead of agriculture.
C. Flat land in the Gulf Coastal Plains may have made it easier to build on, but it was not the primary factor in determining city locations. Other physical characteristics, such as access to transportation routes and natural resources, would have played a more significant role.
D. The distance from the borders of another country, like Mexico in this case, is not a physical characteristic that determines city locations. Political and military considerations may influence the location of cities in relation to international borders, but it is not the primary factor for determining where cities are built.
In conclusion, the presence of bodies of water that provided effective movement of goods and people is the physical characteristic that most likely helped determine where a city was built. This allowed for easier transportation, trade, and economic growth.