Which of the following statements best explains why plains are thickly populated? 1. They are generally very fertile. 2. Construction of transport networks is difficult. 3. More flat land is available for building houses. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

The correct option is (c). Explanation Plains are broad areas of flat or gently rolling land, often formed by the deposition of alluvium by rivers. These regions offer the most favorable geographic conditions for human settlement and economic activities compared to mountains or plateaus. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Correct: Plains, especially those formed by rivers (alluvial plains), are generally characterized by deep, fertile soil. This fertility supports intensive agriculture, allowing the land to sustain a high density of population through food production. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: The flat topography of plains makes the construction of transport networks-such as roads, railways, and canals-easier and more cost-effective. In contrast, rugged terrains like mountains present significant engineering challenges for infrastructure development. - Statement 3 is Correct: The abundance of flat land in plains facilitates the construction of settlements, commercial centers, and industrial complexes. It allows for the horizontal expansion of cities and towns, which is constrained in hilly or mountainous regions. Key Takeaway: Plains attract high population densities primarily due to their agricultural productivity (fertile soil) and the ease of developing infrastructure (transport and housing) on flat terrain.

NCERT Class 6 Geography — Chapter 3: Major Landforms of the Earth

mcqeasy

Which of the following statements best explains why plains are thickly populated?

They are generally very fertile.
Construction of transport networks is difficult.
More flat land is available for building houses.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (c).

Explanation

Plains are broad areas of flat or gently rolling land, often formed by the deposition of alluvium by rivers. These regions offer the most favorable geographic conditions for human settlement and economic activities compared to mountains or plateaus.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: Plains, especially those formed by rivers (alluvial plains), are generally characterized by deep, fertile soil. This fertility supports intensive agriculture, allowing the land to sustain a high density of population through food production.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: The flat topography of plains makes the construction of transport networks-such as roads, railways, and canals-easier and more cost-effective. In contrast, rugged terrains like mountains present significant engineering challenges for infrastructure development.
Statement 3 is Correct: The abundance of flat land in plains facilitates the construction of settlements, commercial centers, and industrial complexes. It allows for the horizontal expansion of cities and towns, which is constrained in hilly or mountainous regions.

Key Takeaway: Plains attract high population densities primarily due to their agricultural productivity (fertile soil) and the ease of developing infrastructure (transport and housing) on flat terrain.

Your note

More from Chapter 3: Major Landforms of the Earth

Consider the following statements regarding the geomorphic processes acting on the Earth: 1. The internal process leads to the continuous wearing down and rebuilding of the land surface. 2. The internal process results in the upliftment and sinking of the earth’s surface. 3. The wearing away of the earth’s surface is termed as erosion, while rebuilding happens through deposition. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

With reference to the classification of mountains, consider the following statements: 1. The Himalayas and the Alps are young fold mountains characterized by rugged relief and high conical peaks. 2. The Aravali range in India is an example of a young fold mountain system that is currently rising. 3. The Appalachians in North America have high conical peaks. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Consider the following statements regarding Block Mountains: 1. They are created when large areas are broken and displaced vertically. 2. The uplifted blocks are termed as 'graben' and the lowered blocks are called 'horsts'. 3. The Rhine valley in Europe is an example of such a mountain system. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

With reference to the utility of plateaus, consider the following statements: 1. The African plateau is poor in mineral resources. 2. The Chhotanagpur plateau in India has huge reserves of iron, coal, and manganese. 3. Lava plateaus are often rich in black soil that is fertile and good for cultivation. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Consider the following statements regarding the formation of plains: 1. Most plains are formed by wind erosion. 2. Rivers erode the slopes of mountains and deposit the load in valleys. 3. Plains are generally more than 200 metres above mean sea level. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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The correct option is (c).

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: Plains, especially those formed by rivers (alluvial plains), are generally characterized by deep, fertile soil. This fertility supports intensive agriculture, allowing the land to sustain a high density of population through food production.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: The flat topography of plains makes the construction of transport networks-such as roads, railways, and canals-easier and more cost-effective. In contrast, rugged terrains like mountains present significant engineering challenges for infrastructure development.
Statement 3 is Correct: The abundance of flat land in plains facilitates the construction of settlements, commercial centers, and industrial complexes. It allows for the horizontal expansion of cities and towns, which is constrained in hilly or mountainous regions.