When primary producers expend energy to build new tissue, this is
A) net primary productivity.
B) the amount of energy available to consumers.
C) maintenance costs.
D) Both A and B
E) Both B and C

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When primary producers, such as plants, expend energy to build new tissue, this energy contributes to net primary productivity, which is the amount of biomass available for consumption by herbivores and other consumers. Thus, it encompasses both the energy invested in new growth (net primary productivity) and the energy available to consumers. Maintenance costs refer to the energy used for processes such as respiration, not directly for building new tissue.

When Primary Producers Expend Energy to Build New Tissue, This