Answer:
The correct answer is B Both assertion and reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation for the assertion. Gross primary productivity (GPP) refers to the total amount of carbon fixed by photosynthesis, including both the biomass produced and the residual carbon that is not used for growth and is lost through respiration. On the other hand, net primary productivity (NPP) is the difference between GPP and the carbon lost through respiration. In other words, NPP represents the net amount of organic matter produced by plants during a given period, taking into account the carbon lost through respiration. Therefore, NPP is always less than or equal to GPP, as it accounts for the carbon that is lost through respiration. The reason provided, "Net primary productivity (NPP) is the amount of organic matter that is lost by the producers during respiration," is not the correct explanation for the assertion that NPP is always more than GPP, as this would imply that NPP is greater than GPP, which is not the case.
Step-by-step explanation: