Final answer:
Physical features heavily influence the control of territory by determining political boundaries, such as the Rio Grande between the U.S. and Mexico, and can often be central to political disputes over resources.
Step-by-step explanation:
Physical features such as oceans, mountains, and rivers significantly affect the control of territory by determining political boundaries. For instance, the Rio Grande serves as part of the border between the United States and Mexico, while the Saint Lawrence Seaway and the Great Lakes are crucial for the border between Canada and the United States. Similarly, the Alpine mountain ranges create natural divisions between European countries like Switzerland and Italy.
Besides serving as formal borders, physical geographical features also influence political disputes. Disagreements can arise over resources like oil, fisheries, or even cultural artifacts when they are found within or near these natural features. An example includes the contention over a Neolithic mummy found near the border between Italy and Switzerland.
Natural geographic features not only define political boundaries but also have a profound impact on trade networks, the size and distribution of settlements, and general economic activities due to their roles in separating or connecting regions.