The total amount of energy fixed by photosynthetic organisms minus the energy used in their own metabolic activities is:
A)primary productivity
B)secondary productivity
C)net primary productivity
D)net secondary productivity

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Net primary productivity is the total amount of energy fixed by photosynthetic organisms (gross primary productivity) minus the energy used in their own metabolic activities (respiration). Therefore, choice C is the correct answer.

Choice A, primary productivity, includes all of the energy fixed by photosynthetic organisms, including the energy used in their own metabolic activities.

Choice B, secondary productivity, refers to the total amount of energy fixed by primary consumers (herbivores), minus the energy lost as feces and urine, and is not relevant to the question.

Choice D, net secondary productivity, refers to the total amount of energy fixed by secondary consumers (carnivores), minus the energy lost as feces and urine, and is also not relevant to the question.

The Total Amount of Energy Fixed by Photosynthetic Organisms Minus