What is the behavior of `TreeMap` when using a `Comparator` inconsistent with `equals()`?

Question

Java Professional — Hard

What is the behavior of `TreeMap` when using a `Comparator` inconsistent with `equals()`?

Accepted Answer

When a `Comparator` is inconsistent with `equals()`, TreeMap uses the Comparator for all ordering and equality decisions. This means that elements considered equal by the comparator will share a single slot, even if equals() returns false, violating the Map contract.