Multiple Choice
In ecology, what term describes the single essential nutrient that is in the shortest supply relative to demand and therefore limits primary productivity in an ecosystem?
52. Ecosystems
Factors Impacting Primary Production
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In ecology, which term refers to the total rate of photosynthesis in a given area (before subtracting respiration)?
A
Community respiration (R)
B
Net primary productivity (NPP)
C
Secondary productivity
D
Gross primary productivity (GPP)
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the key terms related to productivity in ecology: Gross Primary Productivity (GPP), Net Primary Productivity (NPP), Community Respiration (R), and Secondary Productivity.
Recognize that Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) is defined as the total amount of energy captured by photosynthesis in a given area and time, before any energy is used for respiration.
Know that Net Primary Productivity (NPP) is the energy remaining after subtracting the energy used by plants for respiration from GPP, i.e., \(\text{NPP} = \text{GPP} - \text{R}\).
Community respiration (R) refers to the total respiration by all organisms in the community, which consumes some of the energy fixed by photosynthesis.
Secondary productivity refers to the generation of biomass by heterotrophic organisms (consumers), not the photosynthetic organisms themselves.
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