In Malthus's theory, what is constantly competing for food and resources, leading to a "struggle for life"?

Malthus's theory emphasizes the relationship between population growth and resource availability, particularly focusing on human populations. He proposed that while population tends to grow exponentially, resources, particularly food, grow at an arithmetic rate. This fundamental imbalance leads to competition among humans for limited resources, creating a "struggle for life."

This concept illustrates the potential for overpopulation, where the number of individuals surpasses the capacity of the environment to provide for them. Malthus argued that this struggle could lead to several consequences, such as famine, disease, and conflict, as individuals compete for the essentials needed for survival. By focusing on the human population as the driving factor in this struggle, Malthus provided a framework for understanding not just societal dynamics, but also the implications for economic and environmental conditions.