What is a potential long-term effect of rising starvation rates?

Rising starvation rates can indeed lead to decreased population numbers as one of its potential long-term effects. When individuals do not have sufficient access to food, it can lead to malnutrition, health complications, and ultimately increased mortality rates. High rates of starvation can contribute to a decrease in birth rates as well, as families may choose to have fewer children when resources are scarce or if they face uncertainty about the survival of their offspring. Furthermore, prolonged starvation and food scarcity can destabilize communities and lead to social unrest, exacerbating the decline in population as migration may occur and individuals may lose their lives due to hunger or related health issues.

The other options may seem appealing but do not directly correlate with the consequences of rising starvation rates in the same clear manner. Increased technological advancements and improved agricultural practices might not occur if the primary concern is survival rather than innovation. Similarly, enhanced global cooperation is often seen as a response to crises but does not necessarily stem directly from increased starvation; rather, it can result from a collective attempt to address the underlying issues rather than being a direct effect of higher starvation rates. Thus, a decreased population number is the most evident and direct consequence of rising starvation rates.