Final answer:
The physical features of East Asia impacted the route of the Silk Road. The mountains forced the Silk Road to follow a central route, while rough terrain and deserts limited its extension. River systems, on the other hand, provided important trade routes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The physical features of East Asia played a significant role in shaping the route of the Silk Road. The mountains, such as the Himalayas and the Taklamakan Desert, posed great challenges for travelers, forcing them to follow a central route. The rough terrain and deserts, such as the Gobi Desert, limited the extension of the Silk Road into eastern lands. However, river systems like the Yangtze River and Yellow River provided important trade routes, facilitating the movement of goods and people.
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