The best response to explain why the economy in the New England Colonies was different from the economy in the Middle Colonies is:
The settlers in the Middle Colonies used resources from the forest to trade for needed goods.
This statement highlights the distinct economic activities of each region. The New England Colonies, characterized by a harsher climate and rocky soil, relied more on fishing, shipbuilding, and trade, while the Middle Colonies had a more diverse economy that included agriculture, trade, and the use of natural resources from forests for economic activities. The Middle Colonies were known for grains and had more fertile land compared to New England, which also contributed to economic differences.