Concepts of biomass and net primary production
Biomass is the total mass of living material in an ecosystem. Net primary production measures how much new plant material an ecosystem builds each year after plants use some energy for their own survival.
Real World
The Amazon rainforest has one of the highest NPP values on Earth (~2,200 g m⁻² yr⁻¹), meaning it locks away vast amounts of carbon annually — a key reason its destruction accelerates climate change.
Exam Focus
Distinguish clearly between biomass (a stock) and NPP (a rate); confusing the two loses marks in 'explain' questions.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
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