BIOTIC POTENTIAL

the maximum reproductive capacity of an organism under optimum environmental conditions. Full expression of the biotic potential of an organism is restricted by environmental resistance, any condition that inhibits the increase in number of the population. Habitat resistance includes unfavourable climatic conditions; lack of space, light, or a suitable substrate; and deficiencies of necessary chemical compounds or minerals. Biotic resistance denotes the inhibiting effects of predators, parasites, disease organisms, or unfavourable genetic changes.