The correct answer for this question is option 1 - famine. Famine is a severe scarcity of food, which leads to widespread deaths due to starvation and epidemics. It is a situation that occurs when a particular region or country faces extreme food shortages, resulting in a significant number of deaths.

Option 2 - poverty, refers to the state of being extremely poor. While poverty can increase the vulnerability to famine, it is not specifically related to the characteristic of widespread deaths due to starvation and epidemics.

Option 3 - civil war, refers to a conflict between different groups within a country, characterized by violence and political instability. While civil wars can contribute to food shortages and disruption of resources, the characteristic of widespread deaths due to starvation and epidemics is more directly associated with famine.

Option 4 - malnutrition, refers to a lack of proper nutrition or an unbalanced diet. While malnutrition can be a consequence of famine, it does not encompass the entire characteristic of widespread deaths due to starvation and epidemics.

In conclusion, option 1 - famine is the correct answer as it specifically addresses the characteristic of widespread deaths due to starvation and epidemics.