UPSC Prelims 2013 · Question 73 of 99

UPSC Prelims 2013 question on Ecosystem Productivity Ranking

Which one of the following is the correct sequence of ecosystems in the order of decreasing productivity?

  1. Oceans, lakes, grasslands, mangroves
  2. Mangroves, oceans, grasslands, lakes
  3. Mangroves, grasslands, lakes, oceans
  4. Oceans, mangroves, lakes, grasslands
Show answer

Answer: C. Mangroves, grasslands, lakes, oceans

Analysis

Mangroves are among the most productive ecosystems because of abundant nutrients and high organic matter recycling. Grasslands are generally more productive than lakes, while open oceans have relatively lower productivity per unit area due to limited nutrient availability. Therefore, the correct order of decreasing productivity is mangroves, grasslands, lakes, and oceans.

Extra UPSC info

Net Primary Productivity (NPP) measures the rate at which plants produce useful organic matter in an ecosystem.

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