Energy Flow Through Ecosystems

AP Biology· difficulty 4/5

Initial 8.0 mg/L; light 11.5; dark 6.0.

What are the NPP and respiration values, and what do they tell us about the system?

  • A

    NPP = 5.5; R = 5.5; balanced system

  • B

    NPP = 11.5; R = 0; no respiration

  • C

    NPP = 3.5; R = 2.0; the system is net autotrophic (producing more than it consumes)

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  • D

    NPP = 2.0; R = 3.5; net heterotrophic

Explanation

NPP = light final - initial = 11.5 - 8.0 = 3.5 (net O2 made available). R = initial - dark final = 8.0 - 6.0 = 2.0. Because NPP > 0, the system is net autotrophic, producing more organic matter than is consumed.

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