The correct response comparing the development of maritime empires with land-based empires in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries is:
"The maritime empires focused on control of trade routes in the Indian Ocean rather than the control of people and land."
Maritime empires during this period were primarily concerned with establishing and controlling trade routes, facilitating commerce, and exploiting resources by creating trade networks. In contrast, land-based empires typically sought to conquer and control territories and populations directly.