Most of the population in East Asia is clustered: A. in central China. B. in the cities of Seoul, Taiwan, and Ho Chi Minh. C. along the southeast edge of Mongolia. D. along the rivers and coasts.

The most accurate answer is: **D. along the rivers and coasts.** **Explanation:** In East Asia, the majority of the population is concentrated along major river valleys and coastal areas. These regions provide fertile land for agriculture, access to maritime trade routes, and economic hubs that facilitate growth and development. For example: - **China:** The Yangtze River Delta and the Pearl River Delta are among the most densely populated areas. - **Japan:** Coastal cities like Tokyo and Osaka are major population centers. - **South Korea:** Seoul and its surrounding areas are heavily populated along the coast. - **Taiwan:** The western coastal plains host the majority of the population. - **Vietnam:** Coastal cities like Ho Chi Minh City are major urban centers. These coastal and riverine areas offer essential resources, infrastructure, and economic opportunities that attract and sustain large populations. **Incorrect Options:** - **A. in central China:** While central China has significant population centers, it is the coastal regions that are more densely populated. - **B. in the cities of Seoul, Taiwan, and Ho Chi Minh:** This option focuses on specific cities or regions, but doesn’t capture the broader trend of population distribution along rivers and coasts. - **C. along the southeast edge of Mongolia:** Mongolia is one of the least densely populated countries in the world, and its southeastern edge does not represent the overall population distribution in East Asia.