A terrestrial ecosystem ' X ' and a marine ecosystem ' Y ' are studied for their productivity. Ecosystem ' X ' has high GPP but also has significant respiration losses, making its NPP moderate. On the other hand, ecosystem 'Y' has a lower GPP but almost negligible respiration losses. The total biomass in ' X ' is 5000 kcal m and in ' Y ' is 2000 kcal Respiration losses in ' X ' are 3000 kcal .
Which statement best describes the NPP and the available biomass for heterotrophs in ecosystems ' X ' and ' Y '?
' has higher NPP and more available biomass for heterotrophs than ' Y '.
' and ' 
' have the same NPP but ' 
' has more available biomass for heterotrophs.
' has higher NPP and more available biomass for heterotrophs than ' X '.
' has higher NPP but less available biomass for heterotrophs than ' X '.
Text Solution
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To solve, calculate the NPP for each ecosystem:
Assuming negligible respiration in ' 
', NPP of ' 
GPP of ' 
', Given ' 
' has lower GPP but almost no loss, NPP is likely close to ' 
's total biomass of 2000 kcal .
Answer: Ecosystems ' X ' and ' Y ' have the same NPP but ' X ' has more available biomass for heterotrophs.
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