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Chapter 19: Problem 10

Briefly describe the global pattern of net primary productivity.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The global pattern of net primary productivity is generally highest near the equator and decreases towards the poles. This is mainly due to the availability of important determinants like sunlight, temperature, and water, along with the nutrient availability which varies in different ecosystems. Ecosystems such as tropical rainforests show higher levels of NPP while lower levels are seen in arid regions like deserts. Among aquatic ecosystems, high levels of NPP are witnessed in coastal regions due to rich nutrient availability.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Net Primary Productivity

Net Primary Productivity (NPP) is the amount of carbon uptake after subtracting Plant Respiration (RES) from Gross Primary Productivity (GPP). In simpler terms, It's the rate at which plants in an ecosystem produce net useful chemical energy.
02

Factors affecting NPP

Several factors influence NPP including sunlight, temperature, water availability and nutrient availability. The availability of these resources might differ from one location to another and even one ecosystem to another, leading to variation in NPP.
03

Description of Global Pattern of NPP

Globally, the pattern of NPP tends to be highest near the equator due to availability of sunlight and precipitation throughout the year. It usually decreases as we move towards the poles where sunlight and temperature fall. Natural ecosystems like tropical rainforests show very high NPP, while deserts have very low NPP due to lack of water. In aquatic ecosystems, coastal regions exhibit high NPP due to high nutrient levels.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

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