NEETBotanyEcosystem
What is the net primary productivity (NPP) in an ecosystem?
Options
- AGross primary productivity minus respiration losses
- BGross primary productivity plus respiration losses
- CGross primary productivity only
- DNeither A) nor B)
Correct answer
A. Gross primary productivity minus respiration losses
Step-by-step solution
A constant input of solar energy is the basic requirement for any ecosystem to function and sustain. Primary production is defined as the amount of biomass or organic matter produced per unit area over a time period by plants during photosynthesis. It is expressed in terms of weight (g m–2) or energy (kcal m–2). The rate of biomass production is called productivity. It is expressed in terms of gm–2 yr –1 or (kcal m–2) yr–1 to compare the productivity of different ecosystems. It can be divided into gross primary pro