In a population, food shortage may lead to

Analyze the question The question asks what happens in a population when food becomes scarce. We need the effect of limited resources on the organisms in that population.

Explain the concept Food is a limited resource. When there is not enough for every individual, members of the same species must compete for it. This is called intra-specific competition (competition among individuals of the same species). Other effects of food shortage include:

• Increased death rate (lower survival)
• Reduced birth rate
• Increased emigration (individuals leave to find food)

Step-by-step solution

• A. Increased survival rate: Wrong. Less food means more starvation and death, so survival falls.
• B. High reproduction rate: Wrong. Poorly fed organisms reproduce less, not more.
• C. Intra-specific competition: Correct. Individuals of the same species compete for the limited food, as well as for space and mates.
• D. Low rate of migration: Wrong. Food shortage usually pushes organisms to move away in search of food, so migration increases.

Answer: C

Tip: Remember that intra means "within". Intra-specific competition happens within one species, while inter-specific competition happens between different species. When a question mentions scarce resources like food, water, or space, think "competition" first.