What is the definition of productivity in ecology?

Answer 1

In ecology, productivity refers to the rate at which energy or biomass is produced by organisms in an ecosystem, typically measured per unit area over a specific time period. It is often categorized into primary productivity, which is the production of organic compounds by autotrophs (like plants) through photosynthesis, and secondary productivity, which involves the generation of biomass by heterotrophs (like animals) that consume primary producers. Productivity is a key indicator of ecosystem health and functioning, influencing food webs and nutrient cycling.