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

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Biomass:** Biomass refers to the total mass of living matter in a given area or volume. In ecosystems, it represents the organic material produced by plants and other photosynthetic organisms.

2. **Identifying Types of Productivity:**
- **Gross Primary Productivity (GPP):** This is the total amount of biomass produced through photosynthesis in a given area. It includes all the organic matter created by plants.
- **Net Primary Productivity (NPP):** This is the biomass available for consumption after accounting for the energy used by plants for respiration. It is calculated as:
\[ \text{NPP} = \text{GPP} - \text{Respiration} \]

3. **Role of NPP in Ecosystems:** The NPP is crucial because it represents the energy that is available for herbivores (primary consumers) and decomposers in the ecosystem. These organisms rely on NPP for their energy needs.

4. **Conclusion:** The biomass available for consumption by herbivores and decomposers is referred to as **Net Primary Productivity (NPP)**.

**Final Answer:** The biomass available for consumption by the herbivores and the decomposers is called **Net Primary Productivity (NPP)**.

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