Final answer:
The New England colonies had poor soil, leading to a focus on fishing, lumbering, and shipbuilding instead of farming.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the colonial region with poor soil, which limited the potential for farming, people pursued other occupations such as fishing, lumbering, and shipbuilding. This area was the New England colonies, where the long winters and rocky soil made agriculture challenging. Instead of focusing on farming for the market, most farmers in New England grew crops primarily for self-sufficiency.
However, the New England region capitalized on its maritime resources by engaging in whaling and fishing for export. Additionally, New England's forests and access to waterways made it an ideal location for becoming a leader in the shipbuilding industry.