Primary Productivity & Decomposition

Front

What is Net Primary Productivity (NPP)?

Back

Net Primary Productivity (NPP) is the amount of energy captured by producers (plants) through photosynthesis minus the energy they use for respiration.

Front

What does Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) refer to?

Back

Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) is the total amount of energy captured by producers through photosynthesis before any is used for respiration.

Front

What is the primary role of producers in an ecosystem?

Back

Producers convert solar energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis, forming the base of the food chain.

Front

What percentage of solar energy do producers typically capture?

Back

Producers typically capture about 1% of the available solar energy.

Front

What happens to most of the solar energy that is not captured by producers?

Back

Most of the solar energy that is not captured by producers is lost as heat to the atmosphere.

Front

What is the relationship between NPP and cellular respiration?

Back

NPP is calculated by subtracting the energy used for cellular respiration from the total energy captured (GPP) by producers.

Front

Define decomposition in an ecological context.

Back

Decomposition is the process by which organic matter is broken down into simpler organic or inorganic matter, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.

Front

What organisms are primarily responsible for decomposition?

Back

Decomposers, such as bacteria and fungi, are primarily responsible for breaking down dead organic matter.

Front

How does decomposition affect nutrient cycling in ecosystems?

Back

Decomposition releases nutrients back into the soil, making them available for uptake by plants, thus supporting primary productivity.

Front

What factors can influence the rate of decomposition?

Back

Factors influencing decomposition include temperature, moisture, the type of organic matter, and the presence of decomposers.