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).