Question

Define the terms:
a. Gross Primary Productivity

Hint:

Net Primary Productivity is a key measure of an ecosystem's ability to support life, as it represents the energy available to consumers.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding Gross Primary Productivity (GPP).
Gross Primary Productivity refers to the total amount of solar energy captured by plants through photosynthesis in a given area and time period. It represents the total energy input into the ecosystem.
Step 2: Conclusion.
Gross Primary Productivity is the total energy captured by plants before subtracting the energy used for plant respiration.
b. Net Primary Productivity
Solution:
Step 1: Understanding Net Primary Productivity (NPP).
Net Primary Productivity refers to the amount of energy or biomass produced by plants after accounting for the energy used in plant respiration. It represents the energy available for primary consumers (herbivores).
Step 2: Conclusion.
Net Primary Productivity is calculated as: \[ \text{NPP} = \text{GPP} - \text{Respiration}. \]