Question

The biomass available for consumption by the herbivores and the decomposers is called as _______________.

• A. Gross primary productivity
• B. Net primary productivity
• C. Secondary productivity
• D. Standing crop

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Net primary productivity

Gross primary production (GPP) is the amount of production of chemical energy as biomass by primary producers in a given length of time. It is the rate at which photosynthesis and fixed energy is used by primary producers for cellular respiration and maintenance of existing tissues. The remaining fixed energy (i.e., mass of photosynthate) is referred to as net primary production (NPP). NPP = GPP - respiration (by plants). Whereas standing crop is the total dried biomass in a given environment

So, the correct answer is 'Net primary productivity'.