Concept:
Primary productivity is a key concept in ecosystem ecology and refers to the rate at which producers (autotrophs like plants and algae) synthesize organic matter.
• It is the rate of production of biomass per unit area per unit time.
• It depends on factors like light, temperature, water, and nutrients.
• It includes:
• Gross Primary Productivity (GPP)
• Net Primary Productivity (NPP = GPP - respiration)
Step 1: Understand the term productivity.
Productivity refers to the amount of organic matter produced.
Step 2: Identify what is generated.
Plants convert solar energy into chemical energy stored as organic matter (biomass).
Step 3: Analyze options.
• (A) Oxygen: By-product, not productivity measure
• (B) Carbon dioxide: Used, not produced
• (C) Detritus: Dead organic matter
• (D) Biomass: Correct
Step 4: Conclusion.
Thus, primary productivity refers to the rate of biomass generation.
Final Answer: Option (D)