Ecosystem Question 3
Question: In the equation
GPP-R = NPP
GPP is Gross Primary Productivity
NPP is Net Primary Productivity
R here is
(1) Photosynthetically active radiation
(2) Respiratory quotient
(3) Respiratory loss
(4) Reproductive allocation
Show Answer
Answer: (3) Respiratory loss
Explaination-
In the equation, GPP-R = NPP, R represents respiration losses.
The Gross primary productivity of an ecosystem is the rate of production of organic matter during photosynthesis.
Gross primary productivity minus respiration losses (R), is the net primary productivity (NPP).
Net primary productivity is the available biomass for the consumption of heterotrophs (herbivores and decomposers).