Net production efficiency (NPE) is defined as the product of 100 and the quotient of net consumer productivity and assimilation.If the invertebrate primary consumers of an ecosystem exhibit a NPE of about 20% and pass on about 1000 kcal/m²/yr to secondary consumers, what is the assimilation of the primary consumers?

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Net production efficiency (NPE) is calculated as $NPE = \frac{Net\ Consumer\ Productivity}{Assimilation} \times 100$. Given NPE is 20% and net consumer productivity (energy passed to secondary consumers) is 1000 kcal/m^2/yr, we solve for assimilation: $20\% = \frac{1000}{Assimilation} \times 100$, which gives an assimilation of 5000 kcal/m^2/yr.

Net Production Efficiency (NPE) Is Defined as the Product of 100