Final answer:
The population and economic patterns in Siberia have changed primarily due to the development of the Trans-Siberian Railway, making resource transportation and travel easier, and the establishment of military bases, which have attracted workers and influenced city growth.
Step-by-step explanation:
The significant changes in population and economic patterns in Siberia can be largely attributed to the construction of the Trans-Siberian Railway. This extensive railway system allowed for easier access to the region's vast natural resources, which in turn facilitated industrial growth and population movement. The challenges of industrialization in such a vast and harsh territory were immense, but the railway provided a crucial lifeline that connected Siberia's interior resources to external markets.
Moreover, during the 20th century, the establishment of military bases and cities in Siberia also had an impact on its population distribution. Cities grew in strategic areas, attracting workers and contributing to regional development. In the modern context, the search for job opportunities in cities has continued to drive population movement within Russia, further altering the population landscape in Siberia.
Nevertheless, it's worth noting that Vladivostok, one prominent city in the Russian Far East, experienced changes in population and economic activity due to its military significance and proximity to the Trans-Siberian Railway. However, with the collapse of the Soviet Union, many of these industrial and business enterprises saw a decline, reflecting the complexities of economic and population dynamics in the region.