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Primary productivity in land ecosystems is generally higher than in ocean ecosystems when measured per unit area, primarily due to the abundance of terrestrial plants and their ability to photosynthesize efficiently. However, the total primary productivity of the oceans is substantial due to their vast surface area, making them a significant contributor to global carbon fixation. Marine environments, particularly coastal areas and upwelling zones, can exhibit high productivity levels, but overall, terrestrial ecosystems tend to have greater productivity on a per-area basis. Thus, while oceans cover more area, terrestrial ecosystems contribute more significantly to global biomass production.

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Rank these ecosystems from lowest to highest primary productivity open ocean tropical rainforest desert lake?

Desert < Open ocean < Lake < Tropical rainforest. Desert ecosystems have the lowest primary productivity due to low water availability and extreme conditions. Open ocean ecosystems are next due to limited nutrients. Lake ecosystems have higher productivity as they are more nutrient-rich. Tropical rainforests have the highest productivity due to the abundance of sunlight, water, and nutrients.


Which ecosystem has the greatest primary productivity ocean beds algal beds and reefs or estuary?

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 fromWhittaker RH (1975) Communities and Ecosystems. London, Collier-Macmillan cited in Tivy J (1993) Biogeography A Study of Plants in the Ecosphere. Longman Scientific & Technical


The lack of upwelling during an El Niño period results in which of the following?

The lack of upwelling during an El Niño period results in a decrease in nutrient-rich cold, deep ocean water reaching the surface. This leads to reduced primary productivity and affects marine ecosystems that depend on these nutrients.


What is the function of phytoplankton in ocean ecosystems?

Phytoplankton are primary producers at the base of the marine food chain, providing food for various organisms including zooplankton, fish, and whales. They also play a crucial role in global carbon cycling by absorbing carbon dioxide during photosynthesis and releasing oxygen into the atmosphere. Overall, phytoplankton are essential for marine ecosystems' productivity and health.


What are some things about ocean ecosystems?

they are ecosystems!

Related Questions

Rank these ecosystems from lowest to highest primary productivity open ocean tropical rainforest desert lake?

Desert < Open ocean < Lake < Tropical rainforest. Desert ecosystems have the lowest primary productivity due to low water availability and extreme conditions. Open ocean ecosystems are next due to limited nutrients. Lake ecosystems have higher productivity as they are more nutrient-rich. Tropical rainforests have the highest productivity due to the abundance of sunlight, water, and nutrients.


More than 90 percent of the primary productivity in the ocean is accomplished by?

photosynthesis


Which ecosystem has the greatest primary productivity ocean beds algal beds and reefs or estuary?

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 fromWhittaker RH (1975) Communities and Ecosystems. London, Collier-Macmillan cited in Tivy J (1993) Biogeography A Study of Plants in the Ecosphere. Longman Scientific & Technical


What is Lowest net primary productivity?

The lowest net primary productivity usually occurs in extreme environments such as deserts, polar regions, and deep ocean gyres where there is limited access to sunlight, water, and nutrients for photosynthesis. These areas have low plant growth and biomass production, resulting in low net primary productivity.


Why is most productivity on open oceans limited to surface waters?

Most productivity in open oceans is limited to surface waters primarily due to the availability of sunlight, which is essential for photosynthesis. Phytoplankton, the primary producers in marine ecosystems, thrive in the well-lit epipelagic zone (the upper layer of the ocean) where light penetrates. Below this layer, light diminishes rapidly, restricting photosynthetic activity and, consequently, the overall productivity of marine life. Additionally, nutrient availability tends to decrease with depth, further limiting productivity in the deeper ocean waters.


The lack of upwelling during an El Niño period results in which of the following?

The lack of upwelling during an El Niño period results in a decrease in nutrient-rich cold, deep ocean water reaching the surface. This leads to reduced primary productivity and affects marine ecosystems that depend on these nutrients.


What is the function of phytoplankton in ocean ecosystems?

Phytoplankton are primary producers at the base of the marine food chain, providing food for various organisms including zooplankton, fish, and whales. They also play a crucial role in global carbon cycling by absorbing carbon dioxide during photosynthesis and releasing oxygen into the atmosphere. Overall, phytoplankton are essential for marine ecosystems' productivity and health.


What are some things about ocean ecosystems?

they are ecosystems!


What are ecosystems in the ocean called?

Ecosystems in the ocean are called marine ecosystems. They can be tidal, coastal, or deep sea. They are typically salty.


Conservation of ocean resources?

Conservation of ocean resources refers to the sustainable management and protection of marine ecosystems and biodiversity to ensure their long-term health and productivity. This involves practices like sustainable fishing, reducing pollution, protecting critical habitats, and addressing climate change impacts to maintain the balance and health of ocean ecosystems for current and future generations.


Which primary producers in most ocean ecosystems and that which produce energy through photosynthesis?

Primary producers in most ocean ecosystems are phytoplankton, which are microscopic algae that use photosynthesis to produce energy. Phytoplankton play a crucial role in marine food chains by converting sunlight into organic matter that fuels the rest of the ecosystem.


What is lacking in the deep ocean ecosystem?

Sunlight is scarce in the deep ocean, which limits photosynthesis and primary production. This results in a lack of complex food webs and biodiversity compared to shallower regions of the ocean. Additionally, nutrient availability can be limited in deep ocean ecosystems.