Question

The net primary productivity of the kelp forest off the coast of Monterey, California, is about 185,000 kcal/m2/yr, and the plant respiration is estimated to be 120,000 kcal/m2/yr. What is the gross primary productivity (amount of energy transferred during photosynthesis) for this ecosystem?

A) 65,000 kcal/m2/yr
B) 120,000 kcal/m2/yr
C) 185,000 kcal/m2/yr
D) 305,000 kcal/m2/yr

Answer 1

The gross primary productivity for the kelp forest off the coast of Monterey, California is 305,000 kcal/m²/yr.

Step-by-step explanation:

The gross primary productivity for the kelp forest off the coast of Monterey, California can be calculated by adding the net primary productivity and the plant respiration. In this case, the net primary productivity is 185,000 kcal/m²/yr and the plant respiration is 120,000 kcal/m²/yr. Therefore, the gross primary productivity would be 305,000 kcal/m²/yr.