Why do warmer and wetter biomes have higher net primary productive??

Biology · College · Mon Jan 18 2021

Answered on

Warmer and wetter biomes often have higher net primary productivity (NPP) for several interconnected reasons:

1.Temperature: Warmer temperatures accelerate biochemical reactions, including photosynthesis, which is the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy. In warmer biomes, the rate of photosynthesis tends to be higher, leading to increased NPP.

2.Water Availability: Water is a critical factor for photosynthesis. In wetter biomes, there is an abundant water supply, which is essential for the uptake of nutrients by plants and for the chemical reactions involved in photosynthesis. Increased water availability supports higher rates of photosynthesis and plant growth, contributing to higher NPP.

3.Growing Season: Warmer and wetter environments often have longer growing seasons. A longer growing season means that plants have more time to photosynthesize and produce biomass, leading to higher NPP.

4.Nutrient Availability: Wetter biomes can facilitate the transport of nutrients in the soil, making them more available to plants. Adequate nutrient availability is crucial for plant growth and, consequently, for higher NPP.

5.Biotic Interactions: Warmer and wetter conditions can also support a greater diversity of plant species. Biodiversity can enhance ecosystem productivity as different species may exploit resources in complementary ways, leading to efficient resource use and higher overall NPP.

It's important to note that while warmer and wetter conditions generally favor higher NPP, other factors such as soil type, topography, and disturbances (e.g., fire, human activities) can influence productivity in specific ecosystems. Additionally, some ecosystems, such as tropical rainforests, may have very high NPP, while others, like deserts, may have lower productivity despite being warm.

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