Question

Biomass available for consumers and rate of formation of new organic matter by consumers are

• A. Gross primary productivity and net primary productivity
• B. Net primary productivity and gross primary productivity
• C. Gross primary productivity and secondary productivity
• D. Net primary productivity and secondary productivity
• E. Secondary productivity and net primary productivity

Answer 1

The correct option is D Net primary productivity and secondary productivity

In a food chain, energy stored at the producer level is called as primary productivity. Energy stored at the consumer level is called as secondary productivity. In other words, it is the rate of formation of new organic matter by consumers. It is the rate of energy storage at consumer level. Consumer level includes herbivores, carnivores and decomposers. Gross primary productivity is the rate of photosynthesis. Net primary productivity is the rate of storage of organic matter except which is utilized for the respiration by plants. It is the total biomass available for consumers.

Thus, the correct answer is 'Net primary productivity and secondary productivity.'