What limits the potential production of wildlife?

The correct answer is the limitation imposed by disease on the potential production of wildlife. Diseases can significantly reduce populations of wildlife species by causing high mortality rates and impacting reproductive success. An outbreak of disease can lead to rapid declines in animal populations, altering behaviors, habitat use, and their overall health. The spread of diseases can also push wildlife into smaller areas, leading to overcrowding and increased stress, which further detracts from their ability to reproduce and thrive.

Addressing the other factors that were not chosen: hunting regulations are established to manage wildlife populations sustainably, and while they can impact population dynamics, they are designed to ensure long-term productivity. Climate change can indeed affect wildlife by altering habitats and food availability, but its impact is often gradual and influenced by a multitude of factors. Pollution affects wildlife and their habitats, but it typically does not lead to the immediate and direct population declines seen with disease outbreaks. Hence, disease is a key limiting factor because of its direct and often swift negative effects on individual health and population numbers.