Read the following statement and choose the option that correctly fills the blanks (A) and (B). The biomass available for the consumption of herbivores and decomposers is termed as ___(A)___. When these consumers synthesize new organic matter, the rate of this formation is defined as ___(B)___.

Step-by-step solution

The biomass available for the consumption of heterotrophs (herbivores and decomposers) is the Net primary productivity (NPP). It is the remaining biomass after respiration losses in plants are subtracted from the Gross primary productivity. When herbivores consume this biomass and build their own body mass, the rate of formation of this new organic matter by consumers is defined as Secondary productivity. Thus, (A) is Net primary productivity and (B) is Secondary productivity. Answer: (A) Net primary productivity,