Which problem can increase in urban areas due to population growth?

Correct answer: Crowding and housing pressure

The direct answer is A: crowding and housing pressure. When the urban population grows, more people need homes, transport, water, sanitation, schools, health services, and employment. If infrastructure and planning do not expand fast enough, available housing may become insufficient, neighbourhoods may become crowded, rents may rise, and informal settlements may develop. Option A is correct because these are possible social and service pressures linked to urban population growth. Option B is wrong because river flow mainly depends on rainfall, water supply, slope, and the river channel; it is not directly defined by population growth. Option C is wrong because soil colour is a physical characteristic and is not an urban population problem. Option D is wrong because mountain height is a landform feature that does not normally change because a city’s population increases. The word “can” is important: good planning may reduce the severity, but the pressure remains a possible effect. Memory cue: more urban residents require more homes and services.