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Multiple Choice

The amount of light energy converted to chemical energy by autotrophs during a given time is known as what?

Primary production is the rate at which autotrophs convert light energy into chemical energy stored in organic matter. Over a given time, this describes the total energy fixed by photosynthesis, which in many contexts is called gross primary production. Net primary production would subtract the energy used by autotrophs themselves through respiration, leaving energy available to support growth and higher trophic levels, while secondary production refers to energy stored in consumers. So the amount of light energy converted to chemical energy by autotrophs in a given period is best described by primary production (often equated with gross primary production).

Primary production is the rate at which autotrophs convert light energy into chemical energy stored in organic matter. Over a given time, this describes the total energy fixed by photosynthesis, which in many contexts is called gross primary production. Net primary production would subtract the energy used by autotrophs themselves through respiration, leaving energy available to support growth and higher trophic levels, while secondary production refers to energy stored in consumers. So the amount of light energy converted to chemical energy by autotrophs in a given period is best described by primary production (often equated with gross primary production).