In embryonic development, specification refers to the stage where a cell or tissue is capable of differentiating autonomously when placed in a neutral environment, revealing its developmental fate. The potency of a cell denotes the potential range of cell types it can become, which may or may not correspond exactly to its normal fate during development.

Developmental patterns arise based on two general modes: regulative development and mosaic development. In regulative development, cells exhibit flexibility, able to compensate and form various tissues depending on environmental cues. Here, the potency of a cell is greater than its usual developmental fate because cells retain more potential than what they normally express.

Conversely, mosaic development is characterized by autonomous specification, where cells’ fates are predetermined and fixed early in development. In this case, the potency of a cell equals its normal fate since cells follow a rigid program without compensation.

Examining the statements:

(A) Potency equals normal fate in regulative development — this is false; potency is greater due to developmental flexibility.

(B) Potency is greater than normal fate in regulative development — true.

(C) Potency equals normal fate in mosaic development — true.

(D) Potency is greater than normal fate in mosaic development — false; potency strictly matches fate.

Therefore, the true statements are (B) and (C).

The correct answer is:

(1) (B) and (C)