Final answer:
Climate and vegetation significantly impact population distribution in the United States and Canada. Regions with more favorable climates and vegetation have higher population densities, while regions with less favorable conditions have lower population densities.
Step-by-step explanation:
Climate and vegetation have a significant impact on population distribution in the United States and Canada. The climate determines the availability of resources, such as water and arable land, which are essential for human habitation and agriculture. Vegetation, on the other hand, influences the types of economic activities that can be pursued in an area, such as farming or forestry, which in turn attract or deter populations.
In the United States and Canada, the southern parts of both countries have more favorable climates and vegetation for settlement and agriculture. The Great Plains and the western part of the United States are arid due to the rain shadow effect caused by the Rocky Mountains, making them less suitable for large-scale agriculture and population concentration. Additionally, the economies of both countries are closely linked, and living close to the US border allows for easier access to economic opportunities and services.
Therefore, regions with more favorable climates and vegetation, such as the southern parts of the United States and Canada, tend to have higher population densities, while regions with less favorable conditions have lower population densities.