The part of primary production in an ecosystem that is consumed and ultimately converted into heterotrophic biomass is called
A) net secondary production.
B) net primary productivity.
C) gross primary productivity.
D) omnivory.
E) decomposition.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Net secondary production refers to the biomass gained by consumers through feeding, while gross primary productivity refers to the total amount of energy fixed by autotrophs through photosynthesis. Net primary productivity is the remaining energy after autotrophs have used some of it for their own metabolic needs. Omnivory and decomposition are not relevant to the question. Therefore, the correct answer is A, net secondary production, since it represents the part of primary production that is consumed by heterotrophs and further contributes to their biomass.

The Part of Primary Production in an Ecosystem That Is