Which of the following describes negative solutions to resource shortages, such as war or famine?

The correct choice reflects the concept of positive checks, which are factors that increase the death rate in a population. These are typically seen as events or conditions that lead to significant loss of life, thereby controlling population size in response to resource shortages like famine or war. Positive checks arise in situations where populations exceed sustainable resources, leading to crises that can drastically alter societal structures and dynamics.

In contrast, preventative checks are measures that aim to reduce the birth rate in anticipation of resource shortages, such as promoting family planning or improving education. Destructive checks often refer to extreme negative consequences from resource depletion or mismanagement, which can encompass a variety of issues beyond just population control, while ecological strain refers to the pressure placed on the environment due to overpopulation or resource extraction, which may not always result in immediate negative outcomes like war or famine.