What is defined as a natural talent and capacity for learning a particular skill?

The correct choice is aptitude, which refers to an individual's inherent ability or natural talent for learning specific skills or acquiring certain types of knowledge. Aptitude emphasizes the potential a person has to develop proficiency in a given area, suggesting that some individuals may have a predisposition that makes learning a skill easier for them compared to others.

Skill pertains to the proficiency gained through practice and experience, rather than an innate ability. Ability generally refers to the capacity to perform a task, which can encompass both innate talent and acquired skills. Competence indicates a level of proficiency or suitability to perform certain tasks effectively but doesn't specifically highlight the natural inclination toward learning a skill, which is the essence of aptitude. The distinction lies in the focus on potential versus actual performance in the context of learning abilities.