Question

slaves and indentured servants made up a large percentage of the population in these colonies because of the labor - intensive work required on plantations. middle colonies new england southern colonies

Explanation:

The Southern Colonies had large plantations (like for tobacco, rice, indigo) that required extensive labor. Slaves and indentured servants were used heavily here for this labor - intensive work. The Middle Colonies had more diverse economies, and New England focused on trade, fishing, and small - scale farming, so they didn't rely as much on plantation - based labor with large numbers of slaves/indentured servants.

Answer:

C. Southern Colonies