Percentage of photosyntetically active radiation (PAR) that is captured by plants in synthesis of organic matter is

Options

A. 50-70%
B. 30-40%
C. 80-100%
D. 2-10%

Answer

D

Explanation

About 1-5 % of incident solar energy or 2-10 % of PAR is captured by the photosynthetic organisms for the synthesis of organic matter (Gross primary productivity). Roughly 20 % of it is consumed in respiration so that net capture of energy (net primary productivity) is 0.8-4 % of incident radiation or 1.6-8% of PAR.