How is overpopulation best defined?

Overpopulation is best defined as a situation in which the number of people in a specific area exceeds the capacity of that area to provide for them effectively with the resources available. This definition is encapsulated in the concept of a dense population of people with minimal resources. When a population becomes too large relative to the resources such as food, water, housing, and healthcare, it can lead to various social and environmental challenges, including increased poverty, pollution, and strain on public services.

While high birth rates in urban areas can contribute to overpopulation, it is not exclusively a defining factor, as overpopulation can occur due to various reasons, including migration and declining mortality rates. Similarly, rapid technological innovation may improve living conditions and resource management but does not define overpopulation itself. Urban migration can lead to higher population density in certain areas, but it is the resulting imbalance between population and resources that truly characterizes overpopulation. Thus, the concept that best encapsulates the essence of overpopulation is the presence of a dense population with insufficient resources.