Colonial Modifications of the Environment Forests cut down for lumber
Land cleared for growing tobacco plantations
Construction of roads and towns
Based on the information in the box, colonists modified the environment in order to --
encourage economic development
ensure protection against attacks
create shelters for housing and businesses
O provide products to export to Britain

Explanation:

This is tough and requires a level of interpretation. I will refer to the modifications in the box as 1-3 in the order they are listed and the possible answers I will refer as a-d in the order they are listed. Lets analyze:

First the question; it's asking us, based on 1-3, which one of a-d are the most true to answer the question, "why did the colonist modify the environment?"

I will start with what is most false and work to find our answer. B is not the answer. Nothing in 1, 2, or 3 applies specifically to protection.

C is not the best choice. While 1 and 3 could apply, 2 simply does not.

D is a tough one. It could be argued that the impact of all 3 answers are to encourage development of the trade we with England, but that is relying on outside information not provided to us. The statements 1, 2 and 3 have no specific mention of britain or trading.

That leaves A. 1 says clearing forests for lumber. Lumber is an economic good. 2 is also a economic good. 3 applies to transportation of goods as well as the town's that are needed for people to live and trade goods and services.

I believe answer A is the best choice.

there should be a waiting period

d definitly is not