What is a significant environmental feature that Michigan is commonly known for?

Michigan is widely recognized for its proximity to the Great Lakes, which is one of the most significant environmental features of the state. The Great Lakes comprise the largest group of freshwater lakes in the world by total area and are crucial not only for their ecological importance but also for their economic and recreational significance to the region.

Michigan is unique because it is bordered by four of the five Great Lakes: Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, and Lake Erie. This geographic feature provides the state with an extensive shoreline, which is the longest of any state in the U.S., aside from Alaska. The Great Lakes influence the climate, support rich biodiversity, and serve as vital resources for industry, transportation, and tourism.

The other options do not pertain to Michigan. For example, the Rocky Mountains are primarily located in the western United States, while the Pacific Ocean is far from Michigan, situated on the opposite side of the country. Additionally, while the plains may refer to regions like the Great Plains that stretch through the central United States, they do not define Michigan's landscape in the same way the Great Lakes do.