Question

during challenging times, such as food scarcity, which of the following statements is true? populations are unaffected. populations reduce their reproductive rate. populations tend to reproduce more. populations start to make their own food.

Explanation:

When there is food scarcity (a challenging situation for a population), resources are limited. Populations cannot be unaffected as their survival and growth depend on resources like food. Also, populations (except for some autotrophic organisms which are a very small part in the context of general population - level discussions) cannot make their own food. And when resources (including food) are scarce, it is not energetically feasible for populations to reproduce more as reproduction requires energy and resources. Instead, to ensure the survival of the existing individuals (and the population in the long - term), populations reduce their reproductive rate.

Answer:

Populations reduce their reproductive rate.