Chapter 44.6, Problem 2TYK

Summary Introduction

Introduction:

The rate at which energy is stored by ‘chemosynthetic activity’ and ‘photosynthetic activity’ of producers is known as Primary productivity. It is of the following type:

1. Net Primary Productivity: Net primary production or NPP means the energy fixed in photosynthesis minus the energy lost by respiration. It provides energy for all heterotrophic activity. It is an important component that is used as an indicator of ecosystem function.

NPP=GPP-Respiration (R)

2. Gross Primary Productivity: Gross primary productivity or GPP is the summed rate of carbon i.e. fixed during photosynthesis. It is also described as the rate at which primary producers collect and save biomass for energy transfer.