NPP (Net Primary Productivity) is highest for

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tropical forests

swamps

reefs

woodland and shrub land

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This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2017

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The correct answer is B) swamps.

Net Primary Productivity (NPP) is the rate at which producers (like plants) accumulate biomass, equal to Gross Primary Productivity minus the rate of respiration. Ecosystems with high light availability, abundant water, warmth, and nutrient-rich conditions tend to have high NPP. Among the given options, tropical forests, swamps, and reefs all have very high NPP per unit area. However, swamps and marshes (a type of wetland) are consistently cited in ecological studies as having among the highest rates of NPP globally, often exceeding tropical forests and reefs due to high nutrient availability from water flow and decomposition under saturated conditions.

Typical NPP values (in g Carbon/m²/year) for these ecosystems can range widely:
* Tropical forests: 1000-3500
* Swamps and Marshes: 800-3500
* Algal beds and reefs: 1000-2500
* Woodland and shrub land: 200-2000
While the ranges overlap, many ecological sources point to swamps/marshes and estuaries as having the absolute highest peak NPP values per unit area.

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