1.8 - Primary Productivity

AP Environmental Science

primary productivity

the rate that solar energy is converted into organic compounds via photosynthesis over a unit of time

gross primary productivity (GPP)

total amount of sun energy (light) that plants capture and convert to energy (glucose) through photosynthesis

respiration loss (R)

plants use up some of the energy they generate by doing cellular respiration

net primary productivity (NPP)

the amount of energy (biomass) leftover for consumers after plants have used some for respiration

decreased NPP

shortage of water availability, higher temperatures, and nutrient availability