This geographic feature gave rise to early civilization.
a. mountains
b. oceans
c. rivers
d. deserts

All of the choices in some ways gave rise to the early civilizations. Mountains helped India to be protected from China, the ocean helped for food, the Sahara desert protected lower Africa from invasion for many centuries. Rivers also helped since they were a major trade routes and the most fertile soil. I think that the Rivers were the most important geographic feature. So the correct answer is C.