The Appalachian Mountains historically served as a significant barrier to westward expansion for early American colonists, influencing patterns of settlement and transportation routes. This demonstrates how physical geography can?

The correct answer to the question "The Appalachian Mountains historically served as a significant barrier to westward expansion for early American colonists, influencing patterns of settlement and transportation routes. This demonstrates how physical geography can?" is Option C: Influence human migration and settlement..

The other options — A) Dictate political ideologies., B) Have no impact on human development., D) Eliminate the need for technological innovation. — are incorrect for this GED Exam Prep question. As explained above: Physical geographic features like mountains, rivers, and deserts often act as barriers or facilitators to human movement and settlement. The Appalachians influenced early colonial settlement patterns…