The limited number of monks on Skellig Michael can be attributed to which reason?

• A. Insufficient food and water in the monastery.
• B. Extreme difficulty in reaching the monastery.
• C. Limited available living space on the site.
• D. Buildings that were precariously situated.

Answer: (C)

The correct choice reflects the understanding that the capacity of Skellig Michael to accommodate monks was intrinsically linked to its physical limitations. The site itself is characterized by its rugged terrain and steep cliffs, which naturally restrict the amount of living space that can be developed. This geographic reality would have directly influenced the number of monks who could reside there, as they would be constrained not only by the limited area but also by the need for adequate facilities to support their lifestyle and activities.

While challenges such as food and water availability, or the difficulty of accessing the monastery, may also have impacted the monastic community, the primary determining factor regarding how many monks could live there is the limited living space. The environment would have dictated the practical limits of habitation, making it the most pertinent reason among the options presented.