In a desert ecosystem, plants capture 120 units per day of solar energy and they use up to 70 units per day in respiration. Animals consume about 30 units per day of the plants. The NPP of this system is how many units per day?
A) 20
B) 30
C) 50
D) 120

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Net Primary Productivity (NPP) is calculated as the total energy captured by plants (Gross Primary Productivity, GPP) minus the energy used in plant respiration. Here, NPP = 120 units (GPP) - 70 units (respiration) = 50 units per day.

In a Desert Ecosystem, Plants Capture 120 Units Per Day