Why is net primary production (NPP)a more useful measurement to an ecosystem ecologist than gross primary production (GPP)?
A) NPP can be expressed in energy/unit of area/unit of time.
B) NPP can be expressed in terms of carbon fixed by photosynthesis for an entire ecosystem.
C) NPP represents the stored chemical energy that is available to consumers in the ecosystem.
D) NPP is the same as the standing crop.
E) NPP shows the rate at which the standing crop is utilized by consumers.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Net primary production (NPP) represents the stored chemical energy that is available to consumers in the ecosystem. This is a more useful measurement for an ecosystem ecologist because it reflects the amount of energy available for consumption and growth in the ecosystem. Gross primary production (GPP) only measures the total amount of carbon fixed by photosynthesis and does not take into account the energy lost in respiration by primary producers. NPP shows the energy available for transfer between trophic levels, which is essential for understanding ecosystem dynamics.

Why Is Net Primary Production (NPP)a More Useful Measurement to an Ecosystem