In a population unrestricted reproductive capacity is called as[2002]a...
Carrying capacity refers to the maximum number of individuals that can be sustained by the environment. Birth rate refers to number of births per unit population.
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In a population unrestricted reproductive capacity is called as[2002]a...
Biotic potential is defined as the physiological capacity of organisms to produce their offspring under natural conditions. It is also called reproductive potential. Carrying capacity is the maximum number of individuals of a population a habitat can hold. Birth rate or natality is the rate at which new individuals are added to a population by reproduction. Fertility rate is the average number of individuals that an organism produces during its lifetime.
So, the correct answer is 'Biotic potential'.
In a population unrestricted reproductive capacity is called as[2002]a...
Biotic Potential in a population
Biotic potential is the maximum rate at which a population can increase under ideal conditions, with no restrictions on its reproductive capacity.
Explanation:
A population's biotic potential is determined by several factors, including:
1. Fertility rate: The number of offspring produced per individual.
2. Age at first reproduction: The earlier an individual can reproduce, the more offspring they can produce over their lifetime.
3. Gestation period: The length of time it takes for offspring to develop in the womb.
4. Generation time: The average time it takes for a female to give birth to her offspring and for that offspring to reach reproductive age.
5. Survival rate: The percentage of offspring that survive to reproductive age.
When a population is not limited by factors such as food availability, predators, or disease, its biotic potential is realized, resulting in exponential population growth.
However, in most cases, a population's growth is limited by external factors, such as:
1. Carrying capacity: The maximum number of individuals that an environment can support.
2. Competition: The struggle between individuals for limited resources, such as food, water, and shelter.
3. Predation: The act of one organism killing and consuming another organism.
4. Disease: The spread of pathogens that can reduce the number of individuals in a population.
In conclusion, biotic potential refers to a population's maximum reproductive capacity under ideal conditions. It is an important concept in population ecology because it helps us understand how populations grow and how they are limited by external factors.