In relation to Gross primary productivity and Net primary productivity of an ecosystem, which one of the…

In relation to Gross primary productivity and Net primary productivity of an ecosystem, which one of the following statements is correct?
  1. Gross primary productivity is always more than net primary productivity
  2. Gross primary productivity and Net primary productivity are one and same
  3. There is no relationship between Gross primary productivity and Net primary productivity
  4. Gross primary productivity is always less than net primary productivity

Solution

Gross primary productivity (GPP): It is the rate of production or synthesis of organic matter by producers during photosynthesis per unit time and area. A considerable amount of GPP is utilized by plants in respiration.

Net primary productivity (NPP): Gross primary productivity minus respiration losses (R).

NPP = GPP – R

Net primary productivity is the available biomass for the consumption of heterotrophs i.e., both herbivores and decomposers.

Asked in: NEET 2020 (Phase 1)

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