how does the existence of densely-packed cities help preserve wilderness and rural areas? view available hint(s)for part a how does the existence of densely-packed cities help preserve wilderness and rural areas? the people of the wilderness form a barrier against urban dwellers and their ilk in a savage ongoing battle that spans time itself. cities tend to be separated from rural areas by roads and waterways. pollution is largely an urban phenomenon, so it tends to occur only near large cities, not rural areas. because people pack densely together in cities, more land outside cities is left undeveloped.