NEETBotanyEcosystem
Consider a simple grazing food chain: Grass Grasshopper Frog. Which of the following accurately describes Net Primary Productivity (NPP) and Secondary Productivity in this specific scenario?
Options
- ANPP is the rate of production of organic matter during photosynthesis by the grass; Secondary productivity is
- BNPP is the grass biomass available to the grasshopper; Secondary productivity is the rate of formation of new
- CNPP is the grass biomass available to the grasshopper; Secondary productivity is the rate of formation of new
- DNPP is the rate of production of organic matter during photosynthesis by the grass; Secondary productivity is
Correct answer
B. NPP is the grass biomass available to the grasshopper; Secondary productivity is the rate of formation of new
Step-by-step solution
In the given food chain, grass is the primary producer. Its Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) is the rate of production of organic matter during photosynthesis. Net Primary Productivity (NPP) is GPP minus respiration losses, which represents the grass biomass actually available to the primary consumer (the grasshopper). Secondary productivity is defined as the rate of formation of new organic matter by consumers. In this chain, both the grasshopper (primary consumer) and the frog (secondary consumer) form new organi