Which of the following is a primary cause of urban sprawl?

Urban sprawl refers to the expansion of human populations away from central urban areas into low-density suburbs and exurbs. The primary cause of this phenomenon is closely linked to population growth and economic development. As populations increase, there is a higher demand for housing, infrastructure, and services. Economic development often leads to improved job opportunities and better living standards, which encourage more people to move into growing urban areas. This influx creates pressure to expand city boundaries, leading to the development of suburban areas and the characteristic spread associated with urban sprawl.

In contrast, a preference for living in high-density apartments and government regulations that encourage urban density typically counteract urban sprawl by promoting more compact living arrangements. Decreases in available land for agriculture might reflect shifts in land use due to urban development but are often consequences of urbanization rather than primary causes.