The rate at which light energy is converted into chemical energy of o...
The correct answer is option 'B' - gross primary productivity (GPP).
Explanation:
Gross primary productivity (GPP) refers to the total amount of light energy converted into chemical energy through photosynthesis by autotrophs (producers) in an ecosystem. It represents the total rate at which organic molecules are synthesized by plants and other photosynthetic organisms.
Photosynthesis is the process by which autotrophs use sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to produce glucose (a type of organic molecule) and oxygen. This glucose serves as the primary source of energy for the organism itself and for all other organisms in the food chain.
To understand why GPP is the correct answer, let's look at the other options:
a) Net primary productivity (NPP) refers to the amount of energy that remains after autotrophs have used some of the energy for their own metabolism (respiration). NPP represents the energy available to consumers (heterotrophs) in the ecosystem. While NPP is important, it does not specifically describe the rate at which light energy is converted into chemical energy.
c) Net secondary productivity (NSP) refers to the total amount of energy stored in the biomass of heterotrophs (consumers) after accounting for energy lost through respiration and waste production. NSP is not related to the conversion of light energy into chemical energy.
d) Gross secondary productivity (GSP) refers to the total rate at which energy is assimilated by heterotrophs through consuming other organisms. GSP is not directly related to the conversion of light energy into chemical energy.
Therefore, the rate at which light energy is converted into chemical energy of organic molecules is best described by gross primary productivity (GPP). It indicates the total amount of energy that is captured by autotrophs through photosynthesis, making it an essential measure of energy flow in an ecosystem.
The rate at which light energy is converted into chemical energy of o...
GPP is the rate at which primary producers save and collect biomass for energy conversion. NPP is the difference between GPP and cellular respiration. On the other hand, GPP is used for cell production. Gross secondary productivity (GSP) is gained through absorption in consumers. Net secondary productivity (NSP) is the gain by consumers in energy or biomass per unit area per unit time remaining after allowing for respiratory losses.
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