Question

Analyse the following ecosystems and discuss, which will be more productive in terms of primary productivity:
A young forest, a natural old forest, a shallow polluted lake.

Hint:

Primary productivity is highest in ecosystems with optimal conditions for photosynthesis and growth—young forests often outperform older or polluted systems.

Answer 1

Step 1: Primary productivity refers to the rate at which producers (like plants and algae) produce organic compounds in an ecosystem. Step 2: Among the given ecosystems: \begin{itemize}
A young forest has growing plants and active photosynthesis but limited biomass, so moderate productivity.
A natural old forest has established biomass but slower productivity due to maturity and energy loss through respiration.
A shallow polluted lake has poor light penetration and low oxygen, resulting in low productivity. \end{itemize} Conclusion: A young forest is likely to be more productive in terms of primary productivity.