Why do regions with extremely cold climates generally have low population densities?

Harsh temperatures make life and economic activities difficult

Extremely cold regions may have very low temperatures, frozen ground, heavy snow, and a short growing season. These conditions make farming difficult because crops have less time to mature. Construction and transport may cost more, and everyday activities require additional heating, equipment, and protection. As a result, fewer kinds of work are possible and living expenses may be high, so people are usually spread thinly.

Option C is correct because harsh temperature limits both settlement comfort and economic opportunity. The other choices describe conditions that do not generally explain low density: cold regions do not always have fertile soil, transport is not always easy, and water availability alone does not guarantee settlement. Some cold areas can be populated, but the question asks about the general pattern.

This is a Class 9 Geography question. Chapter: Population. Topic: Population Density.