In a population, maximum reproductive capacity under optimum environmental conditions is called

Options

A. Biotic potential
B. fertility
C. Carrying capacity
D. birth rate

Answer

To solve the question regarding the maximum reproductive capacity of a population under optimum environmental conditions, we can break it down into the following steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Context**:
- We need to identify what happens to a population when environmental conditions are optimal. This means that resources are abundant, and there are no limiting factors affecting growth.

2. **Population Growth**:
- Under these ideal conditions, the population can grow exponentially. This means that the number of individuals in the population increases rapidly over time.

3. **Natality and Birth Rate**:
- In an optimal environment, the natality (birth rate) will be at its maximum. This is because all individuals have access to the necessary resources to reproduce successfully.

4. **Mortality Rate**:
- Alongside high natality, the mortality rate (death rate) will be very low. Favorable conditions mean fewer individuals die from environmental stresses, predation, or lack of resources.

5. **Defining Biotic Potential**:
- The term that describes the maximum reproductive capacity of a population under these ideal conditions is called "biotic potential." This term encompasses the highest possible rate of reproduction when conditions are perfect.

6. **Eliminating Incorrect Options**:
- Other terms such as "fertility," "carrying capacity," and "birth rate" do not accurately describe the maximum reproductive capacity under ideal conditions:
- **Fertility** refers to the capability of reproduction but does not denote maximum capacity.
- **Carrying capacity** refers to the maximum number of individuals that an environment can sustain, which is different from reproductive capacity.
- **Birth rate** is simply the number of births in a population but does not reflect the potential for maximum reproduction.

7. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, the correct answer to the question is "biotic potential."

### Final Answer:
The maximum reproductive capacity under optimum environmental conditions is called **biotic potential**.