Two opposite forces operate in the growth and development of every population. One of them is related to the ability to reproduce at a given rate. The force opposite to it is called

fecundity
mortality
environmental resistances
biotic control

The correct answer is B. mortality.

Fecundity is the ability of an organism to reproduce. Mortality is the death rate of a population. Environmental resistances are the factors that limit the growth of a population, such as food, water, and predators. Biotic control is the control of a population by other organisms.

Mortality is the opposite of fecundity because it is the rate at which individuals die in a population. Fecundity is the rate at which individuals are born in a population. The two forces are in opposition because they both affect the size of a population. If fecundity is high, the population will grow. If mortality is high, the population will decline.

Environmental resistances are the factors that limit the growth of a population. These factors can include food, water, predators, and disease. Biotic control is the control of a population by other organisms. This can include predation, competition, and disease.

Both environmental resistances and biotic control can affect the mortality rate of a population. However, they are not the opposite of fecundity. They are factors that limit the growth of a population, but they do not directly affect the rate at which individuals are born.