You know these facts about a region: Ninety percent of the region’s population lives in cities full of coal-burning factories; a wide, deep river connects those cities; the population is highly educated and includes a low percentage of foreign-born residents. Which of the following would be a reasonable inference about this region?(1 point)

Question

Responses

The population is probably aging.
The population is probably aging.

Air and water pollution are probably major environmental problems in the region.
Air and water pollution are probably major environmental problems in the region.

Poverty is probably widespread.
Poverty is probably widespread.

Agriculture is a major economic activity.

Answer 1

Based on the given facts about the region, the most reasonable inference would be:

Air and water pollution are probably major environmental problems in the region.

The heavy reliance on coal-burning factories suggests that there would be significant emissions contributing to air pollution. Additionally, the existence of a wide, deep river connecting the cities may imply that industrial runoff could impact water quality, leading to pollution in the river as well.