TOEFL Reading: ETS-TOEFL阅读机经 - 583MR9J245714KV5L$

Why does the author discuss the settlers' need to "produce food rapidly?" A. To emphasize the contrast between early and later farming practices among New England farmers B. To help explain why the settlers did not follow established European farming practices C. To support the idea that the settlers cut down trees to clear the land only because they had no other choice D. To argue that settlers were able to survive because of their economical practices