Question:
Which one of the following represents the chemical energy available to herbivores in an ecosystem?
Which one of the following represents the chemical energy available to herbivores in an ecosystem?
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Net Secondary Productivity refers to the energy available for herbivores and other consumers in the ecosystem after accounting for energy lost in respiration.
Updated On: Nov 27, 2025
- Net Secondary Productivity
- Gross Primary Productivity
- Net Ecosystem Productivity
- Net Primary Productivity
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The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the terms.
Net Secondary Productivity (NSP) represents the chemical energy that is available to herbivores (primary consumers) in an ecosystem. It refers to the amount of energy that is transferred from the primary producers (plants) to the herbivores after accounting for energy lost through respiration.
Step 2: Explanation of other options.
(B) Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) refers to the total amount of chemical energy that is captured by primary producers through photosynthesis, not the energy available to herbivores. (C) Net Ecosystem Productivity (NEP) is the balance of energy in the ecosystem after accounting for both primary and secondary productivity. (D) Net Primary Productivity (NPP) is the energy available to herbivores, but it does not include the energy used by the herbivores, only the energy captured by primary producers.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (A) Net Secondary Productivity, as it represents the energy available to herbivores in an ecosystem.
Net Secondary Productivity (NSP) represents the chemical energy that is available to herbivores (primary consumers) in an ecosystem. It refers to the amount of energy that is transferred from the primary producers (plants) to the herbivores after accounting for energy lost through respiration.
Step 2: Explanation of other options.
(B) Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) refers to the total amount of chemical energy that is captured by primary producers through photosynthesis, not the energy available to herbivores. (C) Net Ecosystem Productivity (NEP) is the balance of energy in the ecosystem after accounting for both primary and secondary productivity. (D) Net Primary Productivity (NPP) is the energy available to herbivores, but it does not include the energy used by the herbivores, only the energy captured by primary producers.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (A) Net Secondary Productivity, as it represents the energy available to herbivores in an ecosystem.
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