Define productivity as the word is used in ecology. What is a pri-mary producer? What is the distinction between gross productivity, net productivity, and respiration? How is net productivity related to biomass (or standing crop)?

Human Biology (MindTap Course List)
11th Edition
ISBN:9781305112100
Author:Cecie Starr, Beverly McMillan
Publisher:Cecie Starr, Beverly McMillan
Chapter24: Principles Of Ecology
Section: Chapter Questions
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Define productivity as the word is used in ecology. What is a pri-mary producer? What is the distinction between gross productivity, net productivity, and respiration? How is net productivity related to biomass (or standing crop)?

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  • The word productivity is taken from the root word meaning to produce. In ecology, productivity can be loosely used to define the biomass in an ecosystem.
  • Primary in ecology is used to refer to the first level, of a specific context. A primary producer is the first organismal level which fixes atmospheric carbon.
  • The word gross means total, and net refers to whatever remains after a baseline usage.
  • Respiration in this context refers to the loss of carbon in the form of CO2.
  • Typically, productivity and biomass are positively correlated.
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