The aquatic ecosystems with the highest average net primary productivity are
A) Estuaries
B) Lakes
C) Rivers
D) Oceans
E) artic ice shelf

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Estuaries are highly productive ecosystems due to the influx of nutrient-rich freshwater from rivers and nutrient-rich saltwater from the ocean. This combination creates a highly diverse and productive environment that supports a wide range of plant and animal life. In addition, estuaries serve as important nursery areas for many commercial fish species, making them vital to the economy of many coastal communities. Lakes and oceans can also be productive ecosystems, but the high levels of salt in the ocean can limit productivity, while lakes can be more variable in their nutrient inputs and therefore productivity. Rivers are generally less productive than estuaries because they lack the mixing of freshwater and saltwater that creates such a productive environment. The artic ice shelf is not an aquatic ecosystem and therefore does not have primary productivity.

The Aquatic Ecosystems with the Highest Average Net Primary Productivity