Question

The annual net primary productivity of the biosphere is approximately:

• A. 170 billion tons
• B. 55 billion tons
• C. 170 million tons
• D. 55 million tons

Hint:

Understanding productivity is crucial for ecosystem management and sustainability.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The annual net primary productivity of the biosphere is approximately 170 billion tons.

(A) 170 billion tons - Correct: Represents global biomass production (mostly from oceans and tropical forests).

(B) 55 billion tons - Incorrect: Too low for total productivity (close to just terrestrial contribution).

(C) 170 million tons - Incorrect: Underestimates by 1000-fold.

(D) 55 million tons - Incorrect: Vastly underestimates global productivity.

The correct answer is (A) 170 billion tons, as measured in dry organic matter per year.