Which of the following is a consequence of exceeding an area's carrying capacity?

Exceeding an area's carrying capacity leads to resource depletion, which is a critical consequence of environmental strain. Carrying capacity refers to the maximum population size of a species that an environment can sustain indefinitely without being degraded. When this limit is surpassed, the demand for resources such as food, water, and habitat space outstrips what the environment can provide.

As a result, essential resources become scarce. For example, overpopulation can lead to overfishing, deforestation, and soil degradation. These activities not only diminish the resources available for current populations but can also disrupt ecosystems and reduce biodiversity. Consequently, the health of the ecosystem deteriorates, creating a cycle of depletion and contributing to further environmental challenges.

While the other choices may sound appealing or beneficial, they do not accurately describe the consequences of exceeding carrying capacity. Increased biodiversity, enhanced ecosystem services, and population stabilization are all contingent upon maintaining a balance within the environment, which is disrupted when carrying capacity is exceeded.