Which best describes the relationship between carrying capacity and Earth's resources?

The correct choice highlights the critical relationship between a population's size and the resources available on Earth. When a population exceeds the Earth's carrying capacity, it means that the number of individuals surpasses the environment's capability to sustain them. This imbalance leads to increased competition for limited natural resources, such as food, water, and habitat space.

As the population grows beyond sustainable levels, the intense pressure on these resources can result in their depletion, leading to deterioration in the quality and availability of essential resources. For instance, overpopulation can lead to overfishing, deforestation, soil degradation, and a decrease in biodiversity, all contributing to a reduction in the overall availability of natural resources.

Understanding this relationship is essential for managing populations and ensuring sustainability. A population can only thrive when it exists within the limits of its environment's resources, and exceeding these limits invariably results in negative consequences.