Final answer:
As of 2008, more people lived in urban areas than rural areas for the first time in human history, reflecting the global pattern of urbanization and economic development. The option (a) is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
In 2008, for the first time in human history, more people lived in urban areas than rural areas. This is a result of the long-term trend of urbanization, which has seen population densities in cities and particularly suburban areas grow, leading to a shift from rural to urban living. In the United States, this trend has been apparent since the 1950s, with the urbanization process accelerating over the years.
By 2008, the majority of people in North America resided in metropolitan areas, a transformation that reflects broader economic development trends. This urban migration is part of a global pattern, though the extent of urbanization varies by region, with high-income countries showing the highest proportions of urban living. Therefore, option (a) is correct.