What happens to population size and competition when living space is reduced?

• A. The population expands and competition intensifies.
• B. Competition strengthens while the population contracts.
• C. The population increases as competition decreases.
• D. Competition weakens and the population decreases.

Answer: (B)

When living space is reduced, there’s less room and fewer resources for organisms. That means more competition for food, water, shelter, and hiding places. With resources scarcer and space limited, not as many individuals can survive and reproduce, so the population tends to shrink to fit the smaller habitat. At the same time, the competition among individuals becomes stronger because everyone is vying for the same limited resources. That combination—stronger competition and a decreasing population—fits why this option is correct.