NEETBotanyEcosystem
Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R). Assertion (A): Net primary productivity of an ecosystem is always more than its gross primary productivity. Reason (R): A considerable amount of gross primary productivity is utilized by plants in respiration. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:
Options
- ABoth (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
- BBoth (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
- C(A) is correct but (R) is not correct
- D(A) is not correct but (R) is correct
Correct answer
D. (A) is not correct but (R) is correct
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). Net primary productivity (NPP) is the gross primary productivity minus respiration losses (NPP = GPP - R). Because respiration loss (R) is a positive value, GPP is always greater than NPP. Therefore, the Assertion (A) is incorrect. The Reason (R) is a correct statement as plants do utilize a significant portion of GPP for their own respiration. An