Which one of the following is the correct sequence of ecosystems in th

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

Oceans, lakes, grasslands, mangroves
Mangroves, oceans, grasslands, lakes
Mangroves, grasslands, lakes, oceans
Oceans, mangroves, lakes, grasslands
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2013
The correct answer is C) Mangroves, grasslands, lakes, oceans.
Primary productivity refers to the rate at which energy is converted by photosynthetic organisms into organic substances. Among the given options, mangrove ecosystems, being highly productive coastal environments rich in nutrients and sunlight, generally exhibit the highest net primary productivity. Grasslands have moderate productivity, varying significantly based on rainfall and soil fertility. Lakes vary widely from oligotrophic (low productivity) to eutrophic (high productivity), but generally have lower average productivity than highly productive terrestrial or coastal systems. Open oceans, especially the vast pelagic zones, are often nutrient-limited and have relatively low average productivity, although coastal upwelling zones can be highly productive.
The generalized order of decreasing productivity among major ecosystems is often cited as: Tropical rainforests, Swamps and Marshes (including Mangroves), Estuaries > Temperate forests, Cultivated land > Grasslands, Lakes and Streams > Tundra, Open Ocean > Deserts. Comparing the specific options given, mangroves are known for very high productivity, followed by grasslands (moderate), then lakes (variable but often moderate to low), and finally open oceans (generally low). Thus, the sequence of decreasing productivity is typically Mangroves > Grasslands > Lakes > Oceans.
Exit mobile version