Which of the following ecosystems would likely have a larger net primary productivity/hectare, and why?
A) open ocean because of the total biomass of photosynthetic autotrophs
B) a temperate grassland because of the small standing crop biomass that results from consumption by herbivores and rapid decomposition
C) tropical rain forest because of the high species diversity
D) cave due to the lack of photosynthetic autotrophs
E) tundra because of the incredibly rapid period of growth during the summer season

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Tropical rain forests have high net primary productivity due to their high species diversity, as they contain a variety of plant species that can fill different niches and utilize different nutrients. This results in a more efficient use of resources and higher productivity per hectare. The other options have factors that limit their productivity: the open ocean has a low biomass of photosynthetic autotrophs, temperate grasslands have a small standing crop biomass due to herbivore consumption and rapid decomposition, caves lack photosynthetic autotrophs, and the tundra has a short growing season limited by extreme weather conditions.

Which of the Following Ecosystems Would Likely Have a Larger