What Problem is Associated with Using NPP to Calculate the Carrying

Question

What problem is associated with using NPP to calculate the carrying capacity for humans?
A) It fails to take into account our need for other resources, such as water, clean air, and fuel.
B) NPP isn't important when considering the human population.
C) Humans grow their own food, which isn't a part of the NPP.
D) It overestimates the effects of humans on the ecosystem.

Accepted Answer

NPP only measures the amount of plant biomass available for consumption, but humans also require other resources like clean water, air, and fuel. Ignoring these other factors means that using NPP alone can overestimate the carrying capacity for humans in a given ecosystem.