Question

Which of the following ecosystems has highest productivity?

Answer 1

In an ecosystem, primary productivity refers to the accumulation of energy in terms of biomass. In aquatic ecosystems, coral reefs have the highest productivity. Tropical rainforest shows the maximum diversity and also the maximum productivity. More solar energy and resources are available in tropics which promotes higher productivity. On land the maximum primary production rate is found in tropical rainforests followed by tropical deciduous forests, temperate forests, savannah, temperate grasslands and desert scrub.

Tropical rainforests have an emergent layer of tall trees over 40 m tall, an overstory of trees up to 30 m tall, a sub-canopy layer of trees and tall shrubs, and a ground layer of herbaceous vegetation.

Tropical rainforests show the highest productivity in terrestrial ecosystems.

So, the correct answer is 'option C"