What are the key differences between GPP and NPP, and how do they impact the overall productivity and efficiency of an ecosystem?
Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) is the total amount of energy that plants capture through photosynthesis, while Net Primary Productivity (NPP) is the amount of energy that plants store after accounting for their own energy needs. The key difference is that GPP represents the total energy captured, while NPP represents the energy available to consumers in the ecosystem.
The difference between GPP and NPP impacts the overall productivity and efficiency of an ecosystem because NPP is what is available for consumption by herbivores and higher trophic levels. A higher NPP means more energy is available for organisms to grow and reproduce, leading to a more productive and efficient ecosystem. Conversely, a lower NPP can limit the amount of energy available for higher trophic levels, potentially impacting the overall biodiversity and stability of the ecosystem.