Question

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

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

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

Net primary productivity

• Secondary productivity is the rate of synthesis of organic matter by the consumers.
• Standing crop is the net biomass of an ecosystem at a given duration.
• Gross primary productivity (GPP) is the amount of organic matter synthesized by the producers during the process of photosynthesis in unit area per unit time.
• Net primary productivity (NPP) is the amount of organic matter stored by the producers in a unit area per unit time. $NPP=GPP-R$, here R is respiratory losses. NPP is available for consumption by herbivores and decomposers.

Hence, the correct answer is option D, i.e., Net primary productivity.