Question

Which action is an example of how the natural environment can influence human beings? People move to another town after a factory in their area closes. People build a settlement on a river they can use for transportation. People establish a software business in an area with many similar businesses. People build homes in a city so they can walk to work instead of driving.

Answer 1

The influence of the natural environment on human settlements is exemplified by people establishing a settlement alongside a river for transportation purposes. This demonstrates the evolution of interactions between humanity and the environment and how it can shape settlement patterns and social organization.

Step-by-step explanation:

The natural environment can have a significant influence on human behavior and settlements. An example of this is when people build a settlement on a river they can use for transportation. This action showcases how nature shapes humanity, with the river providing a means of transport, potentially for trade and communication, influencing the location and layout of a settlement. The interaction with the environment is a clear demonstration of the evolution of complex interactions between people and their physical environment, which can lead to the development of societies and economies based around natural resources and geographical advantages.

Furthermore, environmental conditions can also dictate the settlement patterns of populations. For instance, urbanization could be driven by various factors including access to and availability of resources, transportation systems, and economic activities, as indicated in WG.6B and WB.12A curriculum guidelines. The environment not only affects where people choose to live but also how they adapt to these surroundings and organize their societies.