Final answer:
The answer is option A. Athens and Sparta were shaped by their geographic features like access to the coast and surrounding mountains, which influenced their respective naval and land-based military strengths.
Step-by-step explanation:
The geographic features that affected the rise of Athens and Sparta were primarily their access to the coast and the surrounding mountainous regions. Athens, encompassing the land of Attica, had several mountain valleys and a significant coastline, facilitating the development of a robust navy and trade, which were crucial for its growth into a democratic state. On the other hand, Sparta's geographical location in the Peloponnesian peninsula, with its surrounding mountains and fertile plains, contributed to its development as a land-based military power renowned for its army.
Protected by mountains and hills, Sparta was almost impervious to naval attacks and was able to focus on strengthening its land forces. The Spartans were superior in land warfare but also managed to challenge Athenians at sea. Conversely, Athens, bolstered by its powerful navy, could bring in supplies and exert influence across the Aegean Sea despite being under siege from Sparta. The Spartan defense against the Persians at the mountain pass of Thermopylae in 480 BCE was a significant event that showcased their land warfare prowess.
Ultimately, the combination of Athens's coastal access and naval strength along with Sparta's rugged terrain fostering a strong land army shaped their development and capacity to influence the Greek world during the Classical period.