Final answer:
The principle of distance decay describes how human interaction decreases with increasing distance, supporting the idea that 'near things are more related than distant things' as stated in Waldo Tobler's First Law of Geography.
Step-by-step explanation:
The principle that describes how the amount of human interaction between places decreases with increasing distance is known as distance decay. This concept can be explained by Waldo Tobler's First Law of Geography: “Everything is related to everything else, but near things are more related than distant things.” Distance decay reflects the tendency of objects, ideas, and behaviors to diminish in intensity or frequency as they move further away from their source of origin. This pattern creates a core-periphery structure in regions, where the core is often the center of activity and the periphery experiences less interaction.
In the context of cultural ecology, interactions between cultural practices and physical environments can also demonstrate distance decay, where cultural influences or practices may become less prevalent as one moves further from their point of origin. Similarly, in urban studies, the concept of agglomeration, which leads to economies of agglomeration, is evident as cities form with proximity of activities to reduce distance-related costs, essentially reducing the effects of distance decay within an urban context.
Therefore, the correct answer to the question is B) Distance decay. This geographical principle has significant implications for how regions develop, the diffusion of culture, and the formation and growth of cities and urban areas.