Chapter 19: Problem 9

Compare photosynthesis and respiration and the concept of net photosynthesis that derives from deducting respiration from photosynthesis. What is the importance of knowing the net primary productivity of an ecosystem and how much biomass an ecosystem has accumulated?

Short Answer

Expert verified

Photosynthesis and respiration are two contrasting but interconnected processes. The process by which plants produce glucose and oxygen using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide is known as photosynthesis, whereas respiration is the breaking down of glucose for energy production. Net photosynthesis is obtained by deducting respiration from photosynthesis. To comprehend an ecosystem, understanding the Net Primary Productivity and the accumulated biomass is vital, as they indicate the energy availability for species and the potential of the ecosystem to absorb carbon dioxide, pertaining to climate change.

Step by step solution

Understand Photosynthesis and Respiration

Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into glucose (food) and oxygen. As a contrast, respiration is the process in which organisms (including plants) break down glucose and oxygen to produce energy (ATP), water, and carbon dioxide.

Explain Net Photosynthesis

Net photosynthesis is the amount of glucose that is left over after a plant has used some for respiration. It can be calculated by deducting the respiration rate (glucose used) from the photosynthesis rate (glucose produced).

Significance of Net Primary Productivity

The net primary productivity (NPP) is the rate at which all the plants in an ecosystem produce net useful chemical energy. It is equal to the gross primary productivity minus the energy used by plants during respiration. Understanding NPP is important as it indicates the energy available for other organisms (e.g., herbivores and decomposers) in the ecosystem after the energy used by plants.

Importance of Knowing Biomass Accumulation

Biomass is defined as the total quantity or weight of organisms in a given area or volume. The stored energy from the net primary productivity is used for growth and reproduction, which leads to biomass accumulation. It provides essential details about the capacity of the ecosystem to support life, in terms of energy availability for growth and reproduction of species, as well as indicating the overall healthiness of the ecosystem. It also aids in predicting the ability of an ecosystem to absorb carbon dioxide, which has implications for climate change.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

Recommended explanations on Geography Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Compare photosynthesis and respiration and the concept of net photosynthesis that derives from deducting respiration from photosynthesis. What is the importance of knowing the net primary productivity of an ecosystem and how much biomass an ecosystem has accumulated?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understand Photosynthesis and Respiration

Explain Net Photosynthesis

Significance of Net Primary Productivity

Importance of Knowing Biomass Accumulation

One App. One Place for Learning.

Most popular questions from this chapter

Recommended explanations on Geography Textbooks

Sustainable Urban Development

Glaciated Landscapes

Health And Human Rights

Global Resource Management

Dynamic Landscapes

Living World

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.