12. Which of the following statements explains why Russias natural resources are not fully developed?
Answer: A
The cold temperatures and vast terrain of the country make it difficult to develop the natural resources.
Russia's natural resources are not fully developed primarily due to the harsh cold temperatures and the vast and challenging terrain that complicate extraction and transportation efforts.
A) The cold temperatures and vast terrain of the country make it difficult to develop the natural resources.
This statement accurately identifies significant barriers to the development of Russia's natural resources. The extreme climates and expansive geography create logistical challenges that hinder efficient resource extraction and management.
B) Russia is a landlocked nation, which makes developing the natural resources difficult.
This option is incorrect as Russia is not a landlocked nation; it has extensive coastlines along the Arctic and Pacific Oceans. This geographical reality does not impede the development of its natural resources in the same way that cold temperatures and terrain do.
C) The lack of infrastructure in the capital city impedes the development of natural resources.
While infrastructure is a crucial factor in resource development, this statement is misleading. The capital city, Moscow, is not directly linked to the extraction of resources in remote areas, where the lack of infrastructure is more relevant.
D) Russia's government passes laws limiting the development of natural resources.
This option is also incorrect. While government policy can affect resource management, it is not the primary reason for underdevelopment. The environmental and geographical challenges present a more significant barrier to resource extraction than legislative limitations.
Conclusion
The first option is definitively correct because it highlights the fundamental geographical and climatic challenges that Russia faces in developing its natural resources. In contrast, the other options either contain factual inaccuracies or fail to address the core issues affecting resource development in Russia, thereby reinforcing the importance of understanding the environmental context.