What is a megalopolis?

A megalopolis refers to a heavily populated urban area characterized by the merging of several metropolitan regions into one continuous and extensive urban complex. This phenomenon often occurs when cities grow and expand geographically, eventually bordering each other and forming a vast urban sprawl. A classic example of a megalopolis is the Northeast Corridor in the United States, which stretches from Boston to Washington, D.C., comprising numerous cities and suburbs that are densely populated.

In contrast, the other options describe different types of communities. A rural community typically refers to areas with low population density and open space, which is quite different from the urban characteristics of a megalopolis. A natural reserve is designated land intended for conservation of wildlife and natural resources, again lacking the urbanization associated with a megalopolis. Lastly, a small town denotes a smaller population center with fewer amenities and urban features than a megalopolis, which is marked by its extensive infrastructures like transportation networks, businesses, and housing developments.