Which regions in freshwater or marine biomes are expected to have the highest productivity?

• A. Deep sea
• B. Open ocean
• C. Coral reefs
• D. Freshwater lakes

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of productivity in ecological terms, which refers to the rate at which energy is converted by photosynthetic and chemosynthetic autotrophs to organic substances.
2. Recognize that productivity is often highest in areas where there is an abundance of sunlight, nutrients, and suitable conditions for photosynthesis.
3. Consider the characteristics of coral reefs: they are located in shallow, warm waters where sunlight can penetrate easily, and they have a high density of diverse organisms that contribute to nutrient cycling.
4. Compare this with other regions like the deep sea and open ocean, which have less sunlight and nutrient availability, leading to lower productivity.
5. Conclude that coral reefs, with their optimal conditions for photosynthesis and nutrient availability, are expected to have the highest productivity among the given options.