NEETBotanyEcosystem
Which of the following ecological terms describes the available biomass for the consumption to heterotrophs (herbivores and decomposers) in an ecosystem?
Options
- AGross primary productivity
- BNet primary productivity
- CSecondary productivity
- DRespiration losses
Correct answer
B. Net primary productivity
Step-by-step solution
Gross primary productivity (GPP) is the rate of production of organic matter during photosynthesis. A considerable amount of GPP is utilized by plants in respiration (R). The remaining biomass, which is the net primary productivity (NPP), is the available biomass for the consumption to heterotrophs (herbivores and decomposers). Secondary productivity is the rate of formation of new organic matter by consumers. Answer: Net primary productivity