Explanation: Understanding populous cities is essential in the context of global urbanization and demographic trends. A populous city is defined as an urban area with a large population, typically in the millions. These cities are significant not only for their size but also for their economic, cultural, and political influence.
Moscow, the capital of Russia, is a populous city with a population of over 12 million. It is a major economic and cultural center in Europe and plays a significant role in global politics and economics. The misconception might arise if one only considers cities in Asia or North America as populous, but Moscow's size and influence make it a key example.
Mumbai, located in India, is one of the most populous cities in the world, with a population of over 20 million. It is a major economic and cultural hub in India and is known for its financial sector, Bollywood, and other industries. The misconception might be that only cities in developed countries are populous, but Mumbai's size and influence make it a critical example of a populous city.
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is the largest city in Japan and one of the most populous in the world, with a population of over 37 million in its metropolitan area. It is a global economic and cultural center, known for its advanced technology, finance, and entertainment industries. The misconception might be that only cities in India or Russia are populous, but Tokyo's size and influence make it a critical example.
Therefore, all the cities listed—Moscow, Mumbai, and Tokyo—are populous cities, making option D the correct answer. Understanding the population and influence of these cities is crucial for various competitive examinations and general knowledge about global urbanization trends.