Primary production in an ecosystem refers to:

• A. the synthesis of organic compounds from inorganic substances by autotrophs
• B. the transfer of energy from one trophic level to another
• C. the consumption of organic matter by heterotrophs
• D. the decomposition of dead organisms by detritivores

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of primary production: Primary production refers to the process by which autotrophs (organisms like plants, algae, and some bacteria) synthesize organic compounds from inorganic substances, typically using energy from sunlight through photosynthesis or chemical energy through chemosynthesis.
2. Differentiate between autotrophs and heterotrophs: Autotrophs are organisms that produce their own food from inorganic substances, while heterotrophs consume organic matter produced by autotrophs or other organisms.
3. Clarify the role of energy transfer in ecosystems: Energy flows through ecosystems starting with primary producers (autotrophs) and moves to consumers (heterotrophs) and decomposers (detritivores). However, primary production specifically refers to the initial synthesis of organic compounds by autotrophs.
4. Eliminate incorrect options: The transfer of energy between trophic levels, consumption by heterotrophs, and decomposition by detritivores are all important processes in ecosystems but are not part of primary production.
5. Conclude that primary production is the synthesis of organic compounds from inorganic substances by autotrophs, as this is the foundational process that supports energy flow and nutrient cycling in ecosystems.