Question

Which of the following differentiates gross primary production and net primary production?

• A. Respiration
• B. The difference in photosynthetic rates between morning and afternoon
• C. The amount of energy transferred between trophic levels
• D. Negligible in C${}_4$ plants
• E. None of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is A Respiration

Gross primary production refers to the total organic matter produced by primary prodducers per unit area per unit time. Net primary prodction refers to net fixation of carbon by producers per unit area and is equals to the differnece between gross primary production and energy lost during respiration. Thus, the correct answer is option A.