Question

Plants, algae, and cyanobacteria are primary producers upon which entire ecosystems are dependent During photosynthesis, primary producers convert the carbon from inorganic carbon dioxide into organic compounds. The amount of biomass that is processed during photosynthesis is referred to as gross primary production. Net primary production, however, is always less than gross primary production. Which of the following statements best explain this difference? Check all that apply.
1. Plants utilize some of the incoming energy derived from photosynthesis for their own self-maintenance.
2. Some of the biomass that is made by producers is eaten by consumers thereby reducing gross primary production.
3. Plants and algae carry out both photosynthesis and cellular respiration.
4. Primary production is limited by available nutrients.
5. Plants, algae, and cyanobacteria utilize light energy from the sun into their own biomass.

Answer 1

Answer:

1. Plants utilize some of the incoming energy derived from photosynthesis for their own self-maintenance.

3. Plants and algae carry out both photosynthesis and cellular respiration.

5. Plants, algae, and cyanobacteria utilize light energy from the sun into their own biomass.

Explanation:

The gross primary productivity (GPP) of an ecosystem represents the rate at which the solar energy is captured during photosynthesis in a given period. Producers (plants, algae and cyanobacteria) perform cellular respiration to provide energy for their life processes. Cellular respiration consumes part of the total photosynthetic output. The energy available in tissues of producers after cellular respiration is called net primary productivity (NPP).

Therefore, NPP is the amount of biomass or the energy stored in the tissues of the producers for growth after cellular respiration for their normal daily activities and self-maintenance. So, NPP is always less than GPP.