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Which ecosystem has the greatest primary productivity ocean beds algal beds and reefs or estuary?
Wiki User
∙ 15y ago
According to Whittaker (1975) of the three ecosystems, algal beds and reefs have the highest average primary productivity of 2500 g m-2y-1. Esturies are also fairly productive areas, averaging 1500 g m-2y-1. The open ocean on the other hand is a relatively unproductive system, averaging 125 g m-2y-1.
However, if you look at the total productivity, and not the averages, the picture changes substantially. Now the open ocean contributes the most to the total global productivity due to vastly greater area than either esturies or algal beds and reefs. Indeed, with just 1.2 x 109t-1 algal beds and reefs contribute the least to the total global productivity.
It is also worth noting that continental shelf areas have a higher productivity than open ocean, but contribute less to the global total, again because of reduced area.
All figures taken from
Whittaker RH (1975) Communities and Ecosystems. London, Collier-Macmillan cited in Tivy J (1993) Biogeography A Study of Plants in the Ecosphere. Longman Scientific & Technical
Wiki User
∙ 15y ago
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primary productivity.
What traits of an ecosystem does primary productivity measure?
The rate at which the ecosystem produces chemical energy from sunlight.
Secondary productivity in an ecosystem?
Primary productivity tells you how productive an ecosystem will be. It is the rate at which chemical energy is produced from sunlight, which determines the maximum amount of energy available to all higher trophic levels in an ecosystem.
What is the primary productivity rate at which producers in an ecosystem carry on photosynthesis to make carbohydrates?
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Which factor would have the greatest effect on the flow of energy into an ecosystem?
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What is biological productivity?
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