Which of the following biomes would have the highest net primary production? A) deciduous forests B) deserts C) arctic tundra D) savannas
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The biome with the highest net primary production (NPP) is A) deciduous forests.
Net primary production refers to the amount of energy that plants in an ecosystem capture via photosynthesis and store as biomass, minus the energy they use in respiration. It is a key indicator of ecosystem productivity.
Deciduous forests are typically located in temperate zones where there is adequate rainfall and moderate temperatures. These forests are dominated by trees like oak, maple, and beech that shed their leaves in winter to conserve water and energy. The growing season for deciduous trees is long enough to allow for significant photosynthetic activity during spring and summer. The high levels of biodiversity and primary productivity in these forests come from a combination of:
- Moderate climate: Adequate rainfall and moderate temperatures provide optimal conditions for plant growth and energy capture.
- Rich soil: Deciduous forests often have fertile soils with abundant nutrients, which support robust plant growth.
- Diverse plant life: The variety of tree species and understory vegetation contributes to a higher rate of energy capture.
In comparison:
- Deserts have low NPP due to limited rainfall and extreme temperatures, which restrict plant growth.
- Arctic tundra has very low NPP as the growing season is short, and the cold climate limits the types of plants that can survive.
- Savannas, while productive, generally have a seasonal dry period that limits photosynthesis and thus NPP, despite having significant rainfall in wet seasons.
Therefore, deciduous forests are the most productive biome in terms of NPP due to their favorable climate and rich, diverse plant life.
