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Which of the following ecosystems has the highest net primary productivity?
  • a)
    Rainforest
  • b)
    Extreme desert
  • c)
    Lakes and streams
  • d)
    Mid-latitude grassland
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
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Which of the following ecosystems has the highest net primary producti...
  • Net primary productivity, or NPP, is gross primary productivity excluding the rate of energy loss to metabolism and maintenance.
  • It is the rate at which energy is stored as biomass by plants or other primary producers and made available to the consumers.
    • Net primary productivity (NPP) = Gross primary production (GPP) - Respiration (R)
  • Rainforest exists in broadband across the Earth's warm, moist equatorial regions.
    • It has an NPP of about 2000-4000 g/m2 per year.
    • The oldest living ecosystem can be found in the Rainforest.
    • Due to extreme rainfall, a rainforest includes dense forests with tall and evergreen trees.
    • The plants are too large in height so that the sunlight is not able to enter the forest.
  • Due to extreme heat and scarcity of rainfall, the Desert has one of the driest ecosystems and because of this reason very little diversity and plants are found in the desert.
  • Various kinds of living animals, plants and microorganisms(biotic), as well as non-living (abiotic) chemical and physical factors, are found in lakes and streams due to the freshness of water.
  • Grassland occurs naturally and is dominated by grasses.
    • The plants that are found in Grassland do not grow much and are non-woody.
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Which of the following ecosystems has the highest net primary producti...
The rainforest ecosystem has the highest net primary productivity among the given options. Net primary productivity (NPP) refers to the rate at which energy is stored through the process of photosynthesis by plants in an ecosystem, minus the energy that is used up by the plants themselves through respiration.

Rainforest ecosystem is characterized by its dense vegetation, high species diversity, and abundant rainfall. These factors contribute to its high net primary productivity. Here's a detailed explanation of why the rainforest has the highest NPP:

1. Abundant sunlight:
- Rainforests receive high levels of sunlight due to their location near the equator where sunlight is more direct and intense.
- The availability of abundant sunlight ensures optimal conditions for photosynthesis, the process through which plants convert light energy into chemical energy.

2. High rainfall:
- Rainforests receive high amounts of rainfall throughout the year, which provides a constant supply of water for plant growth.
- Water is essential for photosynthesis as it is a key component in the process of converting carbon dioxide and light energy into glucose.

3. Dense vegetation:
- Rainforests are characterized by their dense and diverse vegetation, with a variety of plant species occupying different layers.
- The dense vegetation allows for efficient capture of sunlight and maximizes the surface area available for photosynthesis.

4. Nutrient-rich soil:
- Rainforest soils are generally nutrient-rich due to the rapid decomposition of organic matter and the constant recycling of nutrients through the dense vegetation.
- These nutrient-rich soils provide essential elements for plant growth, contributing to higher productivity.

5. High species diversity:
- Rainforests are known for their high species diversity, with a wide range of plant species coexisting in the ecosystem.
- The presence of different species occupying different niches allows for efficient utilization of available resources, leading to increased productivity.

Overall, the combination of abundant sunlight, high rainfall, dense vegetation, nutrient-rich soil, and high species diversity makes the rainforest ecosystem the most productive in terms of net primary productivity.
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Which of the following ecosystems has the highest net primary productivity?a)Rainforestb)Extreme desertc)Lakes and streamsd)Mid-latitude grasslandCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
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