Question

What factors explain the major increase in population in half of China and a much smaller change in the other half?

An invasion from the north and rich farmland to the south
An invasion from the south and rich farmland to the north
Overland trade and urbanization
Seagoing trade and urbanization

Answer 1

The major increase in population in half of China, particularly in the southern regions, can be largely attributed to the presence of rich farmland, which supports agriculture and food production. This agricultural productivity has historically led to higher population densities in these areas.

Conversely, the northern regions of China, which may have less fertile land and are subject to harsher climates, often experienced slower population growth.

In the context of your options, the most plausible factor explaining the major increase in population in southern China compared to northern China is:

**An invasion from the north and rich farmland to the south.**

This reflects the historical patterns of population movement and settlement in relation to available resources.