Question

How does plant species composition affect ecosystem productivity?

Options

• It has no significant impact on productivity rates

• Dense canopy and diverse plant types decrease photosynthetic coverage

• It only affects secondary productivity, not primary productivity

• Dense canopy and diverse plant types increase photosynthetic coverage

Answer 1

Plant species composition affects productivity by determining the density and diversity of the photosynthetic surface. A dense canopy and diverse plant types increase the total photosynthetic coverage area, allowing more light capture and higher rates of organic matter production.