Biology Now, 2e

Data on net primary productivity (NPP)—the total energy

available in an ecosystem for the growth and reproduction

of primary producers—is sparse for whole biomes, but

researchers have been able to estimate the NPP of those

listed here using information about different vegetation

types and carbon sources in each area.

Productive Plants

Desert

150

Lakes and

streams

440

Grassland

(temperate)

790

Grassland

(tropical)

1,770

Tundra

240

Wetlands

2,620

Total energy available

from primary producers

(in grams per square meter per year)

Assessment available in