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Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the difference between Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) and Net Primary Productivity (NPP) in photosynthetic organisms?
A
GPP and NPP are equivalent terms describing the same process.
B
GPP is the energy lost as heat, while NPP is the energy stored in plant biomass.
C
GPP is the total amount of energy captured by photosynthesis, while NPP is the energy remaining after accounting for the energy used in cellular respiration.
D
GPP is the energy available to consumers, while NPP is the total energy captured by photosynthesis.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the definitions of Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) and Net Primary Productivity (NPP). GPP refers to the total amount of energy captured by photosynthetic organisms through photosynthesis. NPP, on the other hand, is the energy remaining after subtracting the energy used by the organisms for cellular respiration.
Recognize that GPP represents the total energy input into the ecosystem from photosynthesis, while NPP represents the energy available for growth, reproduction, and consumption by other organisms in the ecosystem.
Clarify that NPP is calculated by subtracting the energy used in cellular respiration from GPP. This can be expressed mathematically as: , where R represents the energy used in respiration.
Eliminate incorrect options by comparing them to the definitions. For example, GPP and NPP are not equivalent terms, and GPP is not the energy lost as heat. Similarly, GPP is not the energy available to consumers; NPP fulfills that role.
Select the correct answer: 'GPP is the total amount of energy captured by photosynthesis, while NPP is the energy remaining after accounting for the energy used in cellular respiration.' This aligns with the scientific definitions of these terms.