Given below are two statements:
Statement I: The primary source of energy in an ecosystem is solar energy.
Statement II: The rate of production of organic matter during photosynthesis in an ecosystem is called net primary productivity (NPP).
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

The correct answer is Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect

Concept:

• An ecosystem consists of all the living organisms in an area, interacting with each other and with their non-living environments, which include sunlight, soil, air, and water.
• The primary source of energy in most ecosystems is solar energy, which is captured by autotrophs (producers) like plants, algae, and cyanobacteria through the process of photosynthesis.
• During photosynthesis, producers convert solar energy into chemical energy in the form of organic compounds, which form the basis of the food web.
• The rate of production of organic matter by producers during photosynthesis is referred to as gross primary productivity (GPP). However, a portion of this energy is used by producers for their own metabolism and respiration.
• The energy remaining after accounting for this respiration is called net primary productivity (NPP), which represents the energy available to consumers in the ecosystem.

Explanation:

• Statement I: The primary source of energy in an ecosystem is solar energy.
  • This statement is correct. Solar energy is the primary source of energy for most ecosystems. Producers (like plants) capture this energy and convert it into chemical energy through photosynthesis.
• Statement II: The rate of production of organic matter during photosynthesis in an ecosystem is called net primary productivity (NPP).
  • This statement is incorrect. The rate of production of organic matter during photosynthesis is termed gross primary productivity (GPP), not NPP.
  • Net primary productivity (NPP) is the energy remaining after subtracting the energy used by producers for their own respiration from the gross primary productivity.
  • Mathematically, NPP = GPP - Respiration (R).