What challenge is often posed by the geographical features of deserts on trade?

The challenge posed by the geographical features of deserts on trade is primarily that they increase transportation costs. Deserts, characterized by their vast arid landscapes, make it difficult to establish efficient trade routes. The harsh conditions, such as extreme temperatures, lack of water, and limited infrastructure, complicate logistics. Transporting goods through desert regions often necessitates longer, more circuitous routes, and may require specialized vehicles or additional resources to ensure cargo can be delivered safely. As a result, these factors contribute to higher costs associated with transporting goods in and out of desert regions, creating significant barriers to trade.

In contrast, the options suggesting consistent access to resources, fostering population growth, or improving trade relationships do not accurately reflect the realities of desert geography. Deserts typically lack abundant natural resources, have lower population densities that may limit market size and economic interactions, and are not conducive to the development of strong trade partnerships due to the inherent challenges they create.