Which of the following best describes a megalopolis?

A megalopolis refers to a large urban region that encompasses multiple cities and their surrounding areas, forming an interconnected network of metropolitan areas. This term emphasizes the existence of multiple urban centers that are integrated in terms of economic, social, and environmental characteristics. The defining feature of a megalopolis is the way these cities grow and develop in proximity to each other, creating an expansive urban zone.

This definition contrasts sharply with other choices. A single dense urban area would imply a singular city rather than a multi-centered urban configuration. A rural settlement focuses on non-urban population patterns and does not capture the characteristics of a megalopolis. Similarly, a suburban neighborhood indicates a residential area that typically borders or is part of a city, lacking the complexity and connectivity of multiple urban centers that define a megalopolis. Therefore, the essence of a megalopolis is better captured by the notion of a many-centered urban area.