Final answer:
The claim that individuals lacking a territory will die of starvation is false, as survival depends on several factors including adaptability and migration, not just territory possession. Populations are controlled by carrying capacity, with Malthusian principles indicating that unchecked growth can lead to disasters if resources cannot keep up.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Population Dynamics and Resource Availability
The statement that excluded individuals who lack a territory soon die of starvation when a given area is saturated with territories is false. This scenario presupposes that only individuals with territories can access resources and survive, which is a simplification. In reality, the success of an individual in a population depends on multiple factors, including its ability to find resources, adapt, or move to less populated areas.
The concept of carrying capacity is crucial; it dictates that a habitat can only support a certain number of individuals from a population. When population size exceeds the carrying capacity due to a lack of resources such as food and shelter, a Malthusian catastrophe can ensue. In this scenario, without sufficient resources, the population will experience increased mortality and decreased reproduction until it balances with the available resources. Meanwhile, individuals in saturated areas might migrate, seek alternative resources, or utilize different survival strategies before starvation becomes inevitable.
It is also essential to recognize the principles proposed by Malthus. He suggested that while populations can grow exponentially, resources typically increase linearly. This natural tension between population growth and resource availability can lead to scenarios where, barring technological advancements or changes in consumption patterns, populations can face dire consequences such as famine or disease, commonly referred to as Malthusian disasters.