Biotic potential refers to the maximum rate at which a population can increase under ideal environmental conditions. It is influenced by various factors such as birth rate, death rate, age at reproductive maturity, and reproductive lifespan.

Statement 1: Biotic potential is the maximum rate of increase in the population of a species under optimum environmental conditions.

This statement is correct. Biotic potential represents the maximum reproductive capacity of a species under ideal conditions, where there are no limiting factors such as resource scarcity, predation, or disease. It is a theoretical concept that helps to understand the growth potential of a population.

Statement 2: Biotic potential of elephants is much higher than mice.

This statement is incorrect. Biotic potential varies among different species, and it cannot be generalized that elephants have a higher biotic potential than mice. In fact, small organisms such as mice often have a higher biotic potential compared to larger organisms like elephants. Small organisms tend to have shorter generation times, higher reproductive rates, and can produce more offspring in a given time period. On the other hand, larger organisms like elephants have longer generation times, lower reproductive rates, and produce fewer offspring.

Explanation:

Biotic potential is influenced by several factors:

1. Reproductive rate: Species with a higher reproductive rate have a higher biotic potential. This includes factors such as the number of offspring produced, the frequency of reproduction, and the age at which individuals become sexually mature.

2. Generation time: Species with shorter generation times have a higher biotic potential. This is because they can produce more offspring in a given time period.

3. Longevity: Species with longer lifespans tend to have a lower biotic potential as they have fewer opportunities for reproduction.

4. Environmental factors: Availability of resources, suitable habitat, and absence of predation and disease can also affect the biotic potential of a species.

In the case of elephants and mice, mice have a higher biotic potential compared to elephants. Mice have a shorter generation time, higher reproductive rates, and can produce multiple litters in a year. On the other hand, elephants have a longer generation time (around 20 years), lower reproductive rates (produce one calf at a time), and longer inter-birth intervals.

Therefore, statement 2 is incorrect, and only statement 1 is correct. Biotic potential is not solely determined by the size of the organism but by various other factors that influence reproductive capacity.