Final answer:
Population density in Europe is greatest along coastlines and the North European Plain. Density decreases from south to north, with Scandinavian nations having lower densities. The central highlands, like the Alps, are not densely populated.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student has asked about the pattern of population density in Europe. Population density is not uniform across Europe and varies based on several geographic and socio-economic factors. According to the provided reference information, human populations are often densest in coastal areas and have suffered significant habitat destruction due to this concentration. Europe's population density:
- Is greatest along the coastlines, due in part to the continent's surrounding bodies of water and the accessibility and economic opportunities that these areas traditionally provide.
- Is heaviest throughout the North European Plain, which offers rich farmland for agricultural operations that can support a large population.
- Decreases in density as you move from south to north, as seen in the less densely populated Scandinavian nations which, despite their large area, have relatively small populations compared to other European countries.
- Is not densest in the Scandinavian nations (Denmark, Sweden, and Norway), as these areas, while having significant industrial bases, do not have high population densities.
- Is not greatest in the central highlands, such as the Alps, which are less conducive to high population densities due to their terrain and climate.