Ocean Primary Productivity

Question 1

What is Net Primary Productivity?

Answer 1

the amount of fixed carbon available to the first heterotrophic level in an ecosystem

Question 2

What is the formula for Primary Productivity?

Answer 2

NPP = GPP-respiration

Question 3

Describe global distribution

Answer 3

Higher in coastal regions

Lower in open oceans

Question 4

How does light affect productivity?

Answer 4

Coral, permanent algae and grass can grow in shallow water where light can penetrate to ocean floor (continental shelf)
Amount of light varies with seasons in some areas

Question 5

How does nutriend affect productivity?

Answer 5

• Areas of upwelling and runoff (estuaries) have higher productivity
• Cooler water tends to have more nutrients

Question 6

How does carbon dioxide affect productivity?

Answer 6

Areas near the coast have more wave action and thus more CO2 is mixed into the water

Question 7

Why is antartic productivity greater than artic

Answer 7

Due to upwelling near Antarctica

Question 8

How is productivity limited?

Answer 8

Available sunlight and Available nutrients