Final answer:
Terrestrial ecosystems are highly productive, particularly in biomes with favorable conditions like tropical wet forests. Marine ecosystems, covering a larger part of Earth's surface, also contribute significantly to global productivity through areas like coral reefs and phytoplankton-rich waters. The correct answer is A: Terrestrial ecosystems are more productive and occupy a larger percent of Earth's surface.
Step-by-step explanation:
When comparing the productivity of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems against the percent of Earth’s surface area they occupy, it is important to consider several key factors. Terrestrial ecosystems, which include a variety of biomes such as tropical rainforests, savannas, deserts, and tundra, are influenced by abiotic factors like temperature and precipitation. These factors shape the communities within each biome and their rates of productivity. Some terrestrial biomes, like tropical wet forests, exhibit high net primary productivity due to favorable conditions such as warm temperatures and abundant water.
Aquatic ecosystems, on the other hand, include both freshwater and marine environments. Marine ecosystems cover approximately 75% of the Earth’s surface, which includes shallow and deep ocean waters as well as the deep ocean bottom. These ecosystems are highly productive in certain areas, such as coral reefs and regions with high concentrations of phytoplankton, responsible for a significant portion of the Earth's photosynthesis.
Please note, the correct option for the question is A: Terrestrial ecosystems are more productive and occupy a larger percent of Earth's surface. Despite aquatic ecosystems covering a larger portion of the Earth's surface, terrestrial ecosystems have shown to be more diverse in terms of higher taxa, though marine systems are still extremely important for biodiversity and productivity, particularly with the critical role of phytoplankton.