In terms of Malthus's theories, what generally happens if population exceeds food production?

Malthus's theories, particularly those articulated in his work "An Essay on the Principle of Population," suggest that when a population exceeds the available food supply, it can lead to various societal challenges, including famine. Malthus posited that human populations grow exponentially, while food production increases at a linear rate. As a result, if the population outstrips agricultural output, it can create a situation where not all individuals can be sustained, leading to crises such as famine, disease, and increased mortality rates, which serve to correct the population imbalance.

This viewpoint emphasizes the potential dire consequences of overpopulation, reinforcing the idea that if a society cannot adapt through increases in food production or other means, serious problems will manifest. Addressing sustainability or technological improvements as solutions aligns more with counterarguments to Malthus, rather than the immediate outcomes he predicted. Therefore, the assertion that societal challenges and famine may arise is a direct reflection of Malthusian principles and accurately encapsulates his theory regarding the limits of population growth relative to food supply.