MHT CET Medical202624 April 2026Evening ShiftBiologyEcosystemActual
Which of the following correctly explains Net Primary Productivity?
Options
- ARate of formation of new organic matter by consumers.
- BRate of production of organic matter during photosynthesis.
- CGross primary productivity minus respiratory losses.
- DRate of assimilation of food energy by consumers.
Correct answer
C. Gross primary productivity minus respiratory losses.
Step-by-step solution
Gross primary productivity (GPP) of an ecosystem is the rate of production of organic matter during photosynthesis. A considerable amount of GPP is utilised by plants in respiration. Gross primary productivity minus respiratory losses (R), is the net primary productivity (NPP). NPP = GPP - R Net primary productivity is the available biomass for the consumption to heterotrophs (herbivores and decomposers). Answer: Gross primary productivity minus respiratory losses.