Final answer:
true Most of the population of South America does live along the coast due to historical urban development and colonial trade patterns, with many large cities and urban areas situated in coastal regions.
Step-by-step explanation:
It is true that most of the population of South America lives along the coast. In Venezuela, for instance, most of the population is concentrated along the northern coast with a high urbanization rate, with cities like Caracas having the highest population. Similarly, in Brazil, metropolitan regions like Salvador also have high populations along the coastal areas. This phenomenon is largely due to historical patterns of colonialism which established urban centers and ports along the coasts for trade purposes, which persisted into the pattern of urbanization seen today.
Countries like Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay also have a high percentage of their populations living in urban areas along the coast. Furthermore, the cultural diversity of South America is reflected in its different regions, where various ethnic groups predominate, but coastal areas remain key centers for population density and economic activity.