Question

Biotic potential is a
A.Number of offspring born in a given time per unit of population
B.Number of offspring added in population
C.Maximum birth rate under existing conditions
D.Maximum birth rate under ideal conditions

Answer 1

Hint: For a population to grow in regard to any organism, it is quite important that the organisms must be provided with the best and optimal atmosphere for its growth and multiplication to occur.

Complete answer:
Biotic potential is defined as the reproductive capacity of an organism under optimum environmental conditions. It is expressed as a percentage increase per year or proportional increase per year.
Environmental resistance restricts the full expression of the biotic potential of an organism. Environmental resistance is defined as any factor that inhibits the increase in the number of the population. Examples of environmental resistance include/unfavourable climatic conditions, lack of space, light, or a suitable substrate, deficiencies of necessary chemical compounds or minerals, and the inhibiting effects of predators, parasites, disease organisms, or unfavourable genetic changes.

Option A, B & C: Since biotic potential is defined as maximum birth rate under ideal conditions, this is the incorrect option.

Option D: Biotic potential is maximum birth rate under ideal conditions. Therefore, this is the correct option.

Hence, the correct answer is option (D)

Note: Biotic potential of any organism can also be expressed in terms of time the population takes to get double in size which is also referred to as doubling time. Every organism has a different doubling time.