Which factor contributes significantly to the carrying capacity of a region?

The carrying capacity of a region refers to the maximum population size that an environment can sustain indefinitely without degrading the environment. Food production capacity is a crucial factor in determining this capacity because it directly influences the availability of nutrition and resources that support human populations. A region with high food production capability can support a larger population, as it can provide adequate nourishment and sustain individuals' basic needs.

In contrast, while social inequality, urban migration, and weather patterns can impact population dynamics and resource allocation, they do not fundamentally determine the intrinsic ability of the environment to produce food. For example, even with high social inequality or migration patterns, if the food production capacity is low, the carrying capacity would also be limited. Similarly, adverse weather patterns can affect food production but do not inherently increase or decrease the potential for agricultural output in the same way that food production capacity does. Thus, focusing on food production capacity gives a clear picture of a region's ability to sustain its population.