In an Ecosystem, Which Measure of Energy is the Largest

Question

In an ecosystem, which measure of energy is the largest in amount or rate?
A) Net primary productivity
B) Gross primary productivity
C) Plant respiration
D) Animal respiration
E) Both plant and animal respiration

Accepted Answer

Gross primary productivity (GPP) is the largest measure of energy in an ecosystem because it represents the total amount of energy captured by autotrophs (primarily plants) through photosynthesis. Net primary productivity (NPP) is the energy that remains after accounting for plant respiration, making GPP inherently larger than NPP, plant respiration, animal respiration, or the combination of plant and animal respiration.