The biomass available for consumption by the herbivores and the decomposers is called

Options

A. Gross primary productivity
B. Net primary productivity
C. Secondary productivity
D. Standing crop

Answer

D

Explanation

Most of the sites have given the answer to be (2) i.e., net primary productivity which is defined as the total organic matter stored by producers per unit area/volume per unit time. So it is a rate measure. Standing crop is biomass available at a given time. Thus, standing crop seems to be a better choice. Odum says standing biomass or standing crop should not be confused with productivity. For example, a fertile pastures which is being grazed by livestock would likely have a much smaller standing crop of grass than a less productive pasture which is not being grazed at the time of measurement.