Refer to the figure. The algal bed and coral reef ecosystem type and the swamp and stream ecosystem type each have an average net primary productivity close to that of tropical rainforests.However, each makes up a much smaller percentage of Earth's net primary production than do rainforests.What factor accounts for this difference?

Question

Refer to the figure.  The algal bed and coral reef ecosystem type and the swamp and stream ecosystem type each have an average net primary productivity close to that of tropical rainforests.However, each makes up a much smaller percentage of Earth's net primary production than do rainforests.What factor accounts for this difference?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The question states that the algal bed and coral reef ecosystem type and the swamp and stream ecosystem type have an average net primary productivity close to that of tropical rainforests. However, they make up a much smaller percentage of Earth's net primary production than do rainforests. This can be attributed to the fact that there is a smaller percent of Earth's surface area occupied by these ecosystems compared to tropical rainforests. Therefore, the factor that accounts for the difference in net primary production is the percent of Earth's surface with tropical rainforest ecosystems (choice B).

Refer to the Figure