Which of the following ecosystems has the lowest net primary production per square meter?
(A) A grassland
(B) A coral reef
(C) An open ocean
(D) A tropical rain forest
(C) An open ocean
To determine which ecosystem has the lowest net primary production per square meter, we need to understand the concept of net primary production (NPP). NPP refers to the amount of energy that plants produce through photosynthesis, minus the energy they use through respiration.
To compare the ecosystems mentioned, we can consider the following factors:
- Grassland: Grasslands generally have a moderate NPP due to the abundance of sunlight, moderate precipitation, and suitable temperature.
- Coral reef: Coral reefs have a relatively high NPP due to the warm and nutrient-rich waters that support the growth of diverse marine organisms.
- Open ocean: The open ocean typically has a low NPP due to limited sunlight, as light penetration decreases with depth, resulting in relatively lower photosynthetic activity and primary production.
- Tropical rainforest: Tropical rainforests have the highest NPP among the options due to high levels of rainfall, ample sunlight, and abundant biodiversity.
Considering the options provided, the ecosystem with the lowest NPP per square meter is the open ocean (C). This is primarily because of the limited availability of sunlight, which restricts photosynthetic activity and subsequently reduces the overall primary production.
Remember that NPP can vary across different regions within the same ecosystem type, so this answer is a generalization.
To determine the ecosystem with the lowest net primary production per square meter, we need to consider the primary productivity of each ecosystem. Net primary production is the amount of energy captured by photosynthesis minus the energy expended by respiration.
(A) Grassland: Grasslands have moderate amounts of rainfall and are characterized by grasses and herbaceous plants. They typically have a moderate to high net primary production due to their relatively high productivity.
(B) Coral Reef: Coral reefs are diverse marine ecosystems that support a wide variety of organisms. They have high biodiversity and are known for their ability to produce large amounts of biomass. Therefore, coral reefs generally have a high net primary production.
(C) Open Ocean: The open ocean is a vast marine ecosystem where primary productivity is relatively low. This is due to factors such as limited nutrient availability and lower concentrations of chlorophyll, resulting in lower net primary production compared to other ecosystems.
(D) Tropical Rainforest: Tropical rainforests are highly productive ecosystems with abundant rainfall and sunlight. They have high levels of biodiversity and nutrient availability, leading to a high net primary production.
Based on the information provided, the ecosystem with the lowest net primary production per square meter would be (C) An open ocean.