What is the term for the total amount of living tissue within a given trophic level?

• A. Population density
• B. Productivity
• C. Biomass
• D. Carrying capacity

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the question: The problem is asking for the term that describes the total amount of living tissue within a given trophic level. This requires knowledge of ecological concepts related to energy flow and matter in ecosystems.
2. Review the options provided: The terms are 'Population density,' 'Productivity,' 'Biomass,' and 'Carrying capacity.' Each term has a specific ecological meaning, so we need to identify the one that matches the description in the question.
3. Define each term: 'Population density' refers to the number of individuals per unit area or volume. 'Productivity' refers to the rate at which energy is converted by producers into organic substances. 'Biomass' is the total mass of living organisms in a given area or volume, often measured within a trophic level. 'Carrying capacity' is the maximum population size that an environment can sustain indefinitely.
4. Match the definition to the question: The question specifies 'total amount of living tissue within a given trophic level,' which aligns with the definition of 'Biomass.'
5. Conclude that the correct term is 'Biomass,' as it directly refers to the total mass of living organisms within a specific trophic level.