Question

The Net primary productivity of a terrestrial ecosystem is 1500 kg per meter square per year, and the respiratory loss of the ecosystem is 1200 kg per meter square per year. Calculate the gross primary productivity of the given ecosystem.

Answer 1

The gross primary productivity (GPP) of the ecosystem can be calculated by adding net primary productivity (NPP) and respiratory loss (R):

Given:

NPP = 1500 kg/m²/year

R = 1200 kg/m²/year

GPP = NPP + R

Calculation:

GPP = 1500 + 1200

= 2700 kg/m²/year

So, the gross primary productivity is 2700 kg per square meter per year.