Primary Productivity & Trophic Levels (1.8 & 1.9)

Open Ended

Why is primary productivity considered the foundation of all food webs?

Fill in the Blanks

Multiple Choice

Which of the following best describes Net Primary Productivity (NPP)?

• The total amount of solar energy captured by producers in a given area over a certain time

• The energy remaining after producers use some for respiration, available to consumers

• The energy lost as heat during photosynthesis

• The energy used by consumers for their own respiration

Open Ended

Explain why wetlands are considered to have high Net Primary Productivity (NPP) compared to deserts or tundra.

Multiple Select

Which of the following ecosystems are considered to have high Net Primary Productivity (NPP)?

• Tropical Rainforest

• Deserts

• Wetlands & Estuaries

• Tundra

Multiple Choice

Which group of organisms is responsible for the "Great Oxygenation Event"?

• Protists

• Cyanobacteria

• Fungi

• Triglycephytes

Open Ended

Explain the role of decomposers in the trophic levels and why they are not included in the pyramid structure shown in the diagram.

Math Response

A forest ecosystem has a GPP of 2,500 kcal/m²/year, and the producers use 1,800 kcal/m²/year for respiration.

Type answer here

Correct Answer: 700

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Math Response

A grassland has a measured NPP of 900 kcal/m²/year, and producers respire 600 kcal/m²/year.

Type answer here

Correct Answer: 1500

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Math Response

In a wetland, the GPP is 3,200 kcal/m²/year, and the NPP is 1,900 kcal/m²/year.

Type answer here

Correct Answer: 1300

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following changes would increase the NPP of an ecosystem, assuming GPP stays the same?

• Increased temperature causing more plant respiration

• Decreased sunlight reducing GPP

• Plants adapting to become more efficient and reduce respiration

• More herbivory removing leaf area

Math Response

An ecosystem has a GPP of 5,000 kcal/m²/year and an NPP of 2,000 kcal/m²/year.
What percentage of GPP is used in respiration?

Type answer here

Correct Answer: 60

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Math Response

A tropical rainforest has a GPP of 6,800 kcal/m²/year, and the plants use 2,400 kcal/m²/year for respiration.

Type answer here

Correct Answer: 4400

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Math Response

An agricultural field has an NPP of 1,500 kcal/m²/year, and plant respiration accounts for 900 kcal/m²/year.

Type answer here

Correct Answer: 2400

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Math Response

A desert ecosystem has a GPP of 1,200 kcal/m²/year and an NPP of 300 kcal/m²/year.

Type answer here

Correct Answer: 900

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