Final answer:
The correct answer is option a. A characteristic generally representative of developing countries relative to developed countries is a lower rate of illiteracy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The characteristic that is generally representative of developing countries relative to developed countries is a lower rate of illiteracy. Developing countries tend to have higher levels of illiteracy compared to developed countries. This is due to factors such as limited access to education, lack of resources, and cultural barriers.
For example, in low-income countries, many people are illiterate and do not have guaranteed access to education. This lack of education can hinder their ability to find employment and improve their standard of living.