What does paucity refer to?

Paucity refers to a state of scarcity or a lack of something. It describes a situation where there is an insufficient quantity or limited availability of a particular item or resource. The concept is often used in various contexts, such as the paucity of evidence in a research study or the paucity of resources in a community.

In this case, while terms like abundance and surplus suggest a plentiful supply, and limit might imply a restriction, they do not accurately capture the essence of paucity. The focus of the term is clearly on the insufficient or inadequate nature, making scarcity the most fitting option.