Question

Which of these ecosystems has the lowest net primary production per square meter?

• A. A coral reef
• B. An open ocean
• C. A grassland
• D. A marshy area

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

In ecology, primary production is the synthesis of organic compounds from atmospheric. However, even in the tropics, there are variations in productivity over the course of the year. Unlike terrestrial ecosystems, the majority of primary production in the ocean is performed by free-living microscopic organisms called phytoplankton. As we move from the shore towards the open ocean, available nutrients are getting lesser and thereby decreasing productivity.