Which of the following best describes rivers?

The description that best represents rivers is that they are large natural inland streams of running water. Rivers typically flow from higher elevations to lower ones, often leading to other bodies of water, such as lakes or oceans. They are characterized by continuous movement and their capacity to shape landscapes through erosion and sediment deposition.

This definition aligns with the fundamental characteristics of rivers, setting them apart from other water bodies. While the other options mention various types of water features, they do not encapsulate the consistent flow and natural formation of rivers. For instance, lakes are static bodies of water, while artificial waterways refer to man-made constructions rather than natural water flows, and tributaries are smaller bodies of water that lead into larger ones but do not define the essence of a river itself.