Which of the following assertions aligns with the Principles of Natural Systems?

The assertion that aligns with the Principles of Natural Systems is that extinction risk increases with high population densities. This concept reflects an understanding of ecological dynamics, where high population density can lead to increased competition for limited resources, such as food, water, and space. This competition can stress populations, making them more vulnerable to disease, predation, and, ultimately, extinction.

Natural systems are complex and interdependent, and high densities can disrupt these systems, resulting in environmental degradation and the decline of biodiversity. Recognizing the limits of population growth and the importance of maintaining healthy ecosystems is a fundamental principle in sustainability.

Other assertions do not align with these principles; for example, the idea that population growth leads to infinite resources contradicts the understanding of resource limits in natural systems. Complex systems are, in fact, crucial for survival, as they provide a range of services and resilience against environmental changes. Lastly, viewing living organisms merely as tools for human use undermines the intrinsic value of biodiversity and the role that different species play within ecosystems. Such views can lead to unsustainable practices that jeopardize the health of natural systems.