Question

The net primary production of a pine forest on a lava flow on Mount Fuji is about 165,000 kcal/m2/yr, and the plant respiration is estimated to be 95,000 kcal/m2/yr. What is the total amount of energy transferred during photosynthesis for this ecosystem?

Answer 1

Answer:

The total amount of energy transferred during photosynthesis for this ecosystem equals 260,000 kcal/m2/yr.

Explanation:

To answer this question, we need to know that  

• gross primary productivity (GPP) = energy captured and converted into chemical energy during photosynthesis

• net primary productivity (NPP) = difference between GPP and respiration rate

So, to calculate GPP we need to sum NPP to Respiration rate. This if,

NPP = 165,000 kcal/m2/yr

R = 95,000 kcal/m2/yr

NPP = GPP – Respiration

Then,

GPP = NPP + R

GPP = 165,000 kcal/m2/yr + 95,000 kcal/m2/yr

GPP = 260,000 kcal/m2/yr