Final answer:
The American Midwest is an example of a vernacular region due to its shared cultural identity and history recognized by people both inside and outside the region, whereas other options represent formal or physical regions. c) The American Midwest
Step-by-step explanation:
An example of a vernacular region is c) The American Midwest. Vernacular regions are characterized by the perceptions or beliefs about the cultural identity of inhabitants and the uniqueness of an area developed through common social interactions, rather than by strict structural definitions.
Vernacular regions are often known for a shared cultural identity and history which is widely recognized by people both inside and outside the region. Unlike formal regions such as states which have defined political boundaries, vernacular regions have boundaries that can be vague and vary from person to person.
Examining the Options
The State of California is a formal political region, the Amazon Rainforest could be considered a physical or ecological region, and the Sahara Desert is a physical region known for its environmental characteristics. In contrast, The American Midwest exemplifies a vernacular region because it embodies a collective consensus and identity among its residents, encompassing states which are united by cultural traits and economic activities such as agriculture, which are central to the heartland stereotype.