Biotic potential refers to

Options

A. Increase of population under optimum conditions
B. Increase of population under given conditions
C. Increase of population under natural conditions
D. Increase of population under stress conditions

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Biotic Potential:**
- Biotic potential is defined as the maximum capacity of a population to grow under ideal environmental conditions. It reflects the potential growth rate of a species if all individuals survive and reproduce successfully.

2. **Identifying Ideal Conditions:**
- Ideal conditions for biotic potential include:
- Sufficient food supply.
- Absence of predators.
- Lack of diseases.
- These conditions allow a population to thrive and maximize its growth.

3. **Analyzing the Options:**
- **Option A:** Increase of population under optimal conditions.
- **Option B:** Increase of population under given conditions.
- **Option C:** Increase of population under natural conditions.
- **Option D:** Increase of population under stress conditions.
- Based on the definition, biotic potential specifically refers to growth under optimal conditions, making option A the most accurate.

4. **Conclusion:**
- Therefore, biotic potential refers to the increase of population under optimal conditions, which corresponds to option A.

**Final Answer:**
- Biotic potential refers to the increase of population under optimal conditions (Option A).

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