Question

The top map shows the physical geography and elevation of Colorado and the bottom map shows the population density of Colorado. Based on the information from both maps and your prior knowledge, which of the statements below is true?

a. Southern Colorado is more densely populated than the northern part of the state.
b. Southern Colorado is more densely populated than the northern part of the state.
c. The Rocky Mountains affect the population density in the western half of the state.
d. The Rocky Mountains affect the population density in the western half of the state.
e. Colorado's geography doesn't really affect the population density of the state.
f. Colorado's geography doesn't really affect the population density of the state.
g. Eastern Colorado receives much more precipitation than the western part of the state.

Answer 1

The correct statement about Colorado's geography and population density is that the Rocky Mountains affect the population density in the western half of the state, as areas with higher elevation typically have lower populations due to rough terrain and harsh climate.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on the information provided, the true statement about Colorado's physical geography and population density is that the Rocky Mountains affect the population density in the western half of the state. The maps show that the areas of higher elevation, particularly where the Rocky Mountains are located, tend to have lower population densities. This is due to the challenging terrain and the harsher climate in mountainous areas, which are less conducive to large-scale human settlement and agriculture. Additionally, southern Colorado is not more densely populated than the northern part of the state, and the geography of Colorado significantly affects its population density, contrary to the statements that claim it does not. While eastern Colorado's precipitation patterns are not explicitly mentioned in your summaries, typically, the eastern side of mountain ranges tends to receive more rainfall due to orographic lift, but this does not directly correlate with the population density.