Final answer:
Aquatic systems generally have a higher proportion of net primary productivity (NPP) that is used in secondary production, especially in nutrient-rich and light-penetrated areas like the neritic zone, compared to terrestrial systems which can vary based on abiotic factors.
Step-by-step explanation:
When comparing terrestrial and aquatic systems, it is essential to look at the net primary productivity (NPP) and how much of it becomes part of secondary production. Aquatic systems, particularly the neritic zones of the ocean, which are rich in nutrients due to runoff and have high light penetration, often exhibit very high primary productivity. This productivity supports a diverse range of life, including large fisheries. In contrast, terrestrial systems can vary greatly in their NPP based on the abiotic factors present; warm and wet climates, like those found in tropical forests, will have a high NPP, whereas environments with extreme temperatures and limited water, like deserts and tundra, will have low NPP.
Secondary production refers to the biomass generated by consumers that eat the primary producers. In aquatic systems, a significant proportion of NPP can be consumed by secondary producers due to the abundance of primary producers. Therefore, aquatic systems generally have a higher proportion of NPP that goes into secondary production than terrestrial systems, where a more significant amount of NPP may remain unutilized or return to the environment through decomposition.