Biology SOL Unit 13.4 - Productivity of Ecosystems/Biomes

What is productivity in the context of ecosystems and biomes?

• The amount of sunlight received by an ecosystem

• The rate at which energy is added to the bodies of organisms in the form of biomass

• The number of organisms in an ecosystem

• The amount of water available in an ecosystem

Answer explanation

Productivity in ecosystems refers to the rate at which energy is converted into biomass by organisms. This is crucial for understanding energy flow and ecosystem health, making the correct choice the rate of energy added as biomass.

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Biomass is the amount of matter that's stored in the bodies of a group of __.

• organisms

• minerals

• machines

• planets

Answer explanation

Biomass refers to the total mass of living organisms in a given area. Therefore, the correct choice is 'organisms', as they are the entities that store biomass, unlike minerals, machines, or planets.

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There are TWO main types of Productivity are __.

• Primary

• Gross

• Secondary

• Tertiary

Answer explanation

The two main types of productivity are Primary and Secondary. Primary productivity refers to the generation of organic matter by producers, while Secondary productivity involves the generation of biomass by consumers.

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​ (a)   Productivity is the foundation of the food chain, where​ (b)   like plants convert inorganic matter into organic matter through

(c)   .

• photosynthesis

• respiration

• heterotrophs

• Primary

• autoptrophs

• Secondary

Answer explanation

Productivity in the food chain is driven by autotrophs, like plants, which convert inorganic matter into organic matter through photosynthesis. This process is fundamental, making them primary producers.

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Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) is the rate at which​ (a)   energy is captured in sugar molecules during​ (b)   .

• mechanical

• fermentation

• photosynthesis

• solar

Answer explanation

Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) refers to the rate at which energy is captured in sugar molecules during photosynthesis, using solar energy from the sun.

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Which THREE of the following factors affect Net Primary Productivity?

• Solar Energy Input

• Moisture Levels

• Feeding Habits

• Carbon dioxide Levels

Answer explanation

Net Primary Productivity (NPP) is influenced by Solar Energy Input, which drives photosynthesis, Moisture Levels that affect plant growth, and Carbon Dioxide Levels, essential for photosynthesis. Feeding Habits do not directly impact NPP.

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Secondary Productivity refers to the energy utilized by __ to grow and reproduce by consuming biomass produced by primary producers.

• heterotrophs

• autotrophs

• decomposers

• abiotic factors

Answer explanation

Secondary productivity is the energy used by heterotrophs, which are organisms that consume biomass from primary producers (autotrophs) to grow and reproduce. Thus, the correct answer is heterotrophs.

Which of the following is a factor influencing Secondary Production?

• Feeding Habits

• Solar Energy Input

• Carbon dioxide Levels

Answer explanation

Feeding habits directly influence secondary production as they determine how efficiently energy is transferred through trophic levels. Organisms' diets affect growth and reproduction, making this a key factor.

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Which TWO of the following ecosystems have the highest net primary productivity?

• Swamps

• Estuaries

• Savannas

• Tundras

Answer explanation

Swamps and estuaries are highly productive ecosystems due to abundant water and nutrients, supporting diverse plant life. In contrast, savannas and tundras have lower productivity due to limited water and harsh conditions.

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The amount of primary productivity generated by all producers in a given ecosystem is called __.

• Gross Primary Production

• Net Primary Production

• Gross Secondary Production

• Trophic Levels

Answer explanation

Gross Primary Production (GPP) refers to the total amount of organic matter produced by all producers in an ecosystem through photosynthesis. It represents the overall productivity before any energy is used by the producers themselves.

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