The dry weight of living organic matter in an ecosystem within a designated surface area is the:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Biomass refers to the total dry weight of living organic matter in a given area, including both plants and animals. Primary production refers to the amount of organic matter produced by autotrophic organisms through photosynthesis or other means, while net primary production specifically refers to the amount of organic matter that remains after subtracting the energy used by the plant for its own respiration. Gross photosynthesis refers to the total amount of organic matter produced by photosynthesis, including that which is used up by the plant's own respiration, while net photosynthesis refers to the amount of organic matter that is left over after subtracting this self-use. These terms would not accurately describe the total amount of organic matter present in an ecosystem.

The Dry Weight of Living Organic Matter in an Ecosystem