What is the term used to describe the scarcity of food in ecological terms?

The term that describes the scarcity of food in ecological terms is known as a "push factor." In the context of ecology, push factors are environmental conditions that drive organisms away from an area. When food becomes scarce, it creates a stressful situation for wildlife, leading individuals or populations to relocate to more resource-abundant environments. Consequently, scarcity of food can initiate migration patterns, influence population dynamics, and affect the overall health and survival of species.

Push factors are important in understanding animal behavior and population ecology, as they relate to how animals respond to their environment. When food resources diminish due to factors like overgrazing, environmental changes, or habitat destruction, animals are often compelled to leave their current location in search of sustenance. This contributes to ecological dynamics, population distribution, and species interactions within an ecosystem.