The net dry weight of organic matter that feeds a food chain is
A) not related to net primary productivity.
B) derived from respiration.
C) biomass-or the useful amount of chemical energy.
D) produced to a greater extent in tundra environments than in savannas.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The net dry weight of organic matter that feeds a food chain is referred to as biomass, which is the useful amount of chemical energy available to other organisms in the ecosystem. It is related to net primary productivity, which is the rate at which primary producers (plants) convert solar energy into organic matter through the process of photosynthesis. The biomass is not derived from respiration, but rather from the accumulation of organic matter produced by primary producers. The amount of biomass produced varies depending on the ecosystem, with tundra environments generally producing less than savannas.

The Net Dry Weight of Organic Matter That Feeds a Food