The term overpopulation could best be described as a situation where

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks for the best description of overpopulation. We need a definition that links the number of people to something else, not just a population figure.

Step 2: Explain the concept Overpopulation means there are more people living in an area than the available resources (food, water, housing, jobs, social services) can adequately support. The key idea is the balance between people and resources, not just how many people there are.

Step 3: Evaluate each option

• A. High population density: Density only tells us how many people live per square kilometre. A place like the Netherlands or Lagos city can be densely populated and still have enough resources and infrastructure. High density does not automatically mean overpopulation. ❌
• B. Birth rate equal to death rate: This describes a stationary (stable) population, where growth is zero. It has nothing to do with overpopulation. ❌
• C. Population exceeds the available resources: This is the standard definition of overpopulation. The population is too large for the resources to support a good standard of living. ✅
• D. Increasing birth rate and decreasing infant mortality rate: This describes factors that can lead to rapid population growth, but it is not a definition of overpopulation. ❌

Step 4: Answer The correct option is C.

Exam tip: Remember the contrast between the terms:

• Overpopulation → people > resources
• Underpopulation → resources > people (the population is too small to use the resources fully)
• Optimum population → the ideal balance between people and resources

Whenever you see "overpopulation," think "resources can't cope." Density alone is never the answer.