Final answer:
Alaska, the largest state in the United States, is the least populated due to its challenging terrain and climate. It is sparsely populated with an economy based on industries like forestry and oil extraction, but environmental regulations also prevent massive industrialization, keeping the population low.
Step-by-step explanation:
Alaska, being the largest state in the United States, is the least populated among all states due to its vast areas of untouched forest land, brutally cold winters, and short growing seasons that make it less attractive for large-scale settlement and certain types of economic activity. The description of Alaska's large areas of forest and its economy largely focused on primary industries such as forestry and extraction coincide with the features of the least densely populated regions in North America. Though massive oil reserves were discovered in 1968, this has not led to denser population. Environmental considerations also limit massive industrialization.
The correct answer to the student's question is (a) The least populated, as opposed to being the smallest geographically, the most urbanized, or the most industrialized. The economy and the harsh living conditions in the far northern stretches of North America, including Alaska, tend to be less favorable for large populations, which contrasts with more southern areas like Boston where the soil is more fertile and the climate is milder, making it more suitable for denser populations.