Answer: Rate at which producers convert light energy to chemical energy (organic matter).
- A The total combined biomass of all animal consumers present in an ecosystem
- B Rate at which producers convert light energy to chemical energy (organic matter)
- C The total number of distinct species present within an entire ecosystem
- D The overall rate at which decomposers break down organic matter present
Correct answer: B. Rate at which producers convert light energy to chemical energy (organic matter)
Explanation: Primary productivity: rate at which producers fix energy (gross primary productivity = total; net = total minus respiration).
Energy pyramid showing a simple food chain (producer to herbivore to carnivore) with energy decreasing roughly tenfold at each trophic level.
Concept context
Ecosystems, food chains, energy flow, nutrient cycles, biodiversity, and conservation.