Which of These is NOT a Direct Factor That Controls

Question

Which of these is NOT a direct factor that controls biotic potential?  
A) The age at which reproduction generally begins
B) The resources available for each individual
C) Reproductive rate
D) Predators and pathogens
E) Genetic mutations

Accepted Answer

Biotic potential refers to the maximum reproductive capacity of an organism under optimal environmental conditions. Factors such as the age at which reproduction begins (A), resources available for each individual (B), and reproductive rate (C) directly influence an organism's biotic potential. Predators and pathogens (D) can also affect biotic potential indirectly by influencing survival rates and reproductive success. However, genetic mutations (E) are not a direct factor controlling biotic potential; they may influence traits that could affect an organism's reproductive capacity over time, but they do not directly determine the biotic potential itself.