01 If a region has rugged mountains and poor transport connectivity, what effect may occur on population distribution?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. जनसंख्या विरल हो सकती है
Explanation: Direct answer: A, population may be sparse. Rugged mountains make it difficult to build houses, roads, farms, and other infrastructure. Steep slopes, broken relief, and physical barriers can also increase travel time and construction costs. Poor transport connectivity further limits access to markets, schools, hospitals, jobs, and public services. Together, these conditions often discourage large-scale settlement and produce a scattered or sparse population pattern. Option A is correct. Option B is wrong because difficult terrain and weak connectivity do not necessarily create high density. Option C is wrong because transport strongly affects accessibility and therefore settlement possibilities. Option D is wrong because large cities require substantial infrastructure, connectivity, and economic support, which are difficult to provide everywhere in rugged mountains. Some valleys, roadsides, mining areas, or tourist centers may be more populated, so the answer says “may be sparse,” not “must be empty.” The key idea is combined effect: difficult relief plus poor accessibility usually reduces population concentration.