The correct answer is:
A. Access to water and natural harbors contributed to the development of distinct cultures among the city-states.
The geography of ancient Greece, characterized by its mountainous terrain and extensive coastline with numerous islands, facilitated the growth of independent city-states (poleis) that often developed their own distinct cultures, languages, and political systems. Access to water and natural harbors allowed for trade, communication, and cultural exchange, but also encouraged the formation of separate communities rather than a unified culture.