Final answer:
Cluster settlements are not examples of metropolitan areas; they generally represent small, closely-knit communities, often rural or suburban, in contrast to the extensive urbanized regions denoted by the term metropolitan area.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that cluster settlements are an example of a metropolitan area is false. Cluster settlements typically refer to groups of homes located close together in a small area, often found in rural or suburban settings, rather than in large urbanized areas. By contrast, metropolitan areas are large population centers with significant economic, cultural, and infrastructure connectivity. These are often central hubs with surrounding towns and suburbs, such as the densely populated region between Boston and Washington, D.C., in the United States.
The Census Bureau differentiates between urban clusters and metropolitan statistical areas based on population sizes and commuting patterns. An urban cluster is defined as a city with a population between 10,000 and 50,000, while a metropolitan area includes a large city and its economic influence on surrounding areas.