Productivity in ecosystem: Definition, Types, Diagram

Edited By Irshad Anwar | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 06:08 PM IST

Productivity in an ecosystem refers to the rate at which energy is produced and converted into organic material by producers (mainly plants and algae). This process is vital for the survival of all organisms in an ecosystem, as it forms the foundation of the food chain. In the article, What is productivity? types of productivity, factors affecting ecosystem productivity, ecological pyramids and productivity, and human impact on ecosystem productivity are discussed. Productivity in ecosystem is a topic in Ecosystem in Biology.

This Story also Contains

What is Productivity of Ecosystem?
Types of Productivity
Factors Affecting Ecosystem Productivity
Ecological Productivity and Pyramids
Human Impact on Ecosystem Productivity

Productivity in ecosystem: Definition, Types, Diagram

What is Productivity of Ecosystem?

Ecosystem productivity is the rate of energy storage in organic matter by producers during photosynthesis or chemosynthesis. This energy feeds an entire ecosystem and promotes the growth of organisms, and their subsequent reproduction through different trophic levels. Therefore, understanding ecosystem productivity becomes very important, as it has a direct impingement on ecosystem stability, diversity, and sustainability.

Types of Productivity

Productivity in the ecosystem is categorised into two types:

Primary Productivity

Primary production is the rate at which energy is captured by autotrophs and then transformed into organic substances through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis. It is thus the base of the food web, sustaining herbivores and other consumers.

Gross Primary Productivity (GPP)

GPP refers to gross primary production, which is the amount of energy that autotrophs, mainly plants, capture through photosynthesis in a given area and time. This means the aggregate of the total energy absorbed by plants before being consumed in metabolic activities.

Net Primary Productivity (NPP)

NPP is simply the amount of energy remaining after the amount used by plants for respiration is deducted. It is the amount of energy available for growth and the reproduction of plants, and ultimately for consumption by herbivores and higher trophic levels.

Factors That Affect Primary Productivity

Light Availability: It is the factor required for photosynthesis, dependent on latitude and seasonal changes.
Temperature: Changes enzyme activity and metabolic rates of producers.
Water and Nutrient Availability: It is critical to plant growth and photosynthetic activity.
Methods of Measurement: Gross Primary Productivity accounts for the total quantity of energy absorbed by producers, while Net Primary Productivity has already deducted energy utilized in the process of respiration by plants.

Secondary Productivity

Secondary productivity refers to how fast consuming organisms convert the organic material of their food into new biomass. It is dependent upon the efficiency of energy transfer between trophic levels.

Factors that affect Secondary Productivity

Availability of Primary Productivity: This gesture limits the amount of energy that would have otherwise been available for higher trophic levels.
Trophic Structure and Efficiency: Efficiency decreases linearly as energy is moved up the food chain.
Energy Transfer Efficiency: Only a portion of the energy is transferred from one tropic level to the next.

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Factors Affecting Ecosystem Productivity

Ecosystem productivity is a product of abiotic and biotic factors undergoing complex interactions to determine both the efficiency and overall rate of energy transfer from one trophic level to another. Controlling factors are very important to understand since they help in the prediction of changes occurring in ecosystem dynamics and the management of natural resources sustainably.

Abiotic Factors: Light intensity and quality are important in that they have a direct impact on photosynthesis, with higher light availability normally raising primary productivity. Temperature—through its variation—affects metabolic processes and growth rates of organisms, hence overall productivity. The availability of water is critical for photosynthesis and the survival of plants, while that of nutrients, especially nitrogen and phosphorus, is important for plant growth and biochemical processes.

Biotic Factors: The diversity of species contributes toward this purpose by allowing niche complementarity, wherein different species efficiently use resources. It is expected that the productivity result will be impacted through trophic interactions such as predation and herbivory, because of their regulating effect on energy flow and nutrient cycling. Predation and herbivory control the balance between population dynamics and energy transfer efficiency to have balanced ecosystems.

Ecological Productivity and Pyramids

Ecological pyramids are graphical representations of energy, biomass, or the number of organisms at each stage of the trophic levels in an ecosystem, thereby giving information on the efficiency and structure of energy flow and matter cycling.

Pyramid of Energy

The energy pyramid denotes the passage of energy from one level of a trophic system to the next in an ecosystem. Every higher level of the trophic structure receives less energy than that preceding it, due to loss in metabolic processes mainly as heat.

This is called the energy pyramid. As energy moves up from primary producers to apex predators, the quantity of energy goes on decreasing. In reality, only about 10% of the energy at one trophic level is revamped into the next, while all the rest is dissipated as heat.

Pyramid of Biomass and Pyramid of Numbers

The biomass pyramid shows the total mass of living organisms at each trophic level, while the pyramid of numbers refers to the count of individual organisms at each level. Both these pyramids describe the population structure and biomass distribution and must complement the very concept of the flow of energy through ecosystems.

Human Impact on Ecosystem Productivity

Deforestation and habitat loss reduce primary productivity by destroying habitats and reducing photosynthetic surface area.
Pollution and Nutrient Loading alters nutrient cycles and consecutively leads to eutrophication, and reduced productivity of the aquatic ecosystems.
Climate Change and Global Warming may alter the temperature and precipitation regimes, thus having an overall effect on the growth and distribution of plants.
Overexploitation of species reduces their biodiversity and, as such, the resiliency of ecosystems.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is productivity in ecosystem?

Ecosystem productivity is the quantity of energy that producers in an ecosystem gain through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis and store as organic matter within their parts. It includes both primary and secondary productivity, thus showing the energy associated with sustaining life.

2. How is primary productivity?

Primary productivity is usually measured by gross and net primary productivity. GPP measures the total energy captured by producers. By contrast, NPP accounts for energy used during plant respiration and that is available for growth and subsequent consumption by herbivores.

3. What factors affect the productivity of ecosystems?

Light intensity, temperature, availability of water and nutrients and biotic factors like species diversity, trophic interactions and predation.

4. Why is productivity important for any ecosystem?

Productivity determines how much energy is stored that remains available for all trophic levels. It sustains growth and reproduction, thus determining overall ecosystem health. High productivity brings about high biodiversity and promises ecological stability.

5. How does climate change impact ecosystem productivity?

Climate change influences temperature and precipitation patterns, in turn altering plant growth and nutrient cycles of ecosystems. The changes induced by such factors may lead to a change in species distribution and ecosystem structure, hence reducing productivity.

6. Why is Net Primary Productivity (NPP) more ecologically relevant than Gross Primary Productivity (GPP)?

NPP is more ecologically relevant because it represents the actual biomass available for consumption by other organisms in the ecosystem. It accounts for the energy producers use for their own metabolism, giving a more accurate picture of the energy available to move up the food chain.

7. How do you measure productivity in an ecosystem?

Productivity can be measured through various methods. For primary productivity, common techniques include measuring oxygen production or carbon dioxide consumption. For secondary productivity, methods include measuring growth rates or energy transfer between trophic levels. Satellite imagery is also used to estimate productivity over large areas.

8. What is the global pattern of primary productivity?

Global primary productivity varies with latitude, climate, and ecosystem type. Tropical rainforests and coral reefs are among the most productive ecosystems. Productivity generally decreases towards the poles due to lower temperatures and less sunlight. Deserts and deep oceans tend to have the lowest productivity.

9. What is the relationship between productivity and biodiversity?

Generally, areas with higher productivity tend to support greater biodiversity. More available energy can support more species and larger populations. However, this relationship isn't always straightforward - extremely productive areas like algal blooms can actually reduce biodiversity by dominating the ecosystem.

10. What is the role of decomposers in ecosystem productivity?

Decomposers play a vital role in ecosystem productivity by breaking down dead organic matter and releasing nutrients back into the ecosystem. This recycling of nutrients ensures their availability for primary producers, maintaining the cycle of productivity in the ecosystem.

11. How does light affect productivity in aquatic ecosystems?

Light plays a crucial role in aquatic productivity. It decreases with water depth, creating distinct productivity zones. The euphotic zone, where enough light penetrates for photosynthesis, is the most productive. Below this, in the aphotic zone, productivity drops significantly as photosynthesis can't occur.

12. How does temperature affect ecosystem productivity?

Temperature generally increases productivity up to an optimal point, as it speeds up metabolic processes and enzyme activity. However, temperatures that are too high can denature enzymes and reduce productivity. Different species have different temperature optima, which affects ecosystem productivity across different climates.

13. What is meant by "limiting factors" in ecosystem productivity?

Limiting factors are environmental variables that constrain productivity. According to Liebig's Law of the Minimum, productivity is limited by the scarcest resource relative to the needs of the organism. Common limiting factors include light, water, nutrients, and temperature.

14. How does seasonality affect ecosystem productivity?

Seasonality can greatly influence productivity, especially in temperate and polar regions. Productivity often peaks during spring and summer when light and temperature conditions are optimal, and decreases during fall and winter. This creates seasonal patterns in energy flow and food availability throughout the ecosystem.

15. How do nutrients affect ecosystem productivity?

Nutrients, especially nitrogen and phosphorus, are often limiting factors for productivity. Increasing nutrient availability typically increases productivity up to a point. However, excess nutrients can lead to problems like eutrophication in aquatic systems, actually decreasing overall ecosystem health and productivity.

16. How does human activity impact ecosystem productivity?

Human activities can both increase and decrease ecosystem productivity. Agriculture and fertilization can increase productivity in some areas, while deforestation, pollution, and climate change often decrease productivity. Understanding these impacts is crucial for sustainable ecosystem management.

17. How do invasive species affect ecosystem productivity?

Invasive species can significantly alter ecosystem productivity. They may increase productivity if they are more efficient than native species, but often they decrease overall productivity by outcompeting native species, disrupting food webs, or altering nutrient cycles. The impact can vary greatly depending on the specific invasive species and ecosystem.

18. What is the relationship between productivity and carrying capacity?

Productivity directly influences an ecosystem's carrying capacity - the maximum population size that can be sustained indefinitely. Higher productivity generally supports a larger carrying capacity as more energy and resources are available. However, other factors like habitat availability also play a role in determining carrying capacity.

19. What is the importance of productivity in ecosystem stability?

Productivity is crucial for ecosystem stability. Higher productivity generally supports more complex food webs and greater biodiversity, which can increase ecosystem resilience. However, stability also depends on the balance between productivity and consumption rates within the ecosystem.

20. How does ecosystem productivity change during ecological succession?

Ecosystem productivity typically increases during early stages of succession as pioneer species colonize and grow rapidly. It often peaks in mid-succession and may slightly decrease or stabilize in late succession as the community reaches a more stable state. However, the exact pattern can vary depending on the ecosystem type and environmental conditions.

21. How does primary productivity differ from secondary productivity?

Primary productivity is the rate at which producers (like plants) create biomass through photosynthesis, while secondary productivity is the rate at which consumers (like animals) create biomass by eating other organisms. Primary productivity forms the base of the food chain, while secondary productivity represents energy transfer up the food chain.

22. What are the two main types of primary productivity?

The two main types of primary productivity are Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) and Net Primary Productivity (NPP). GPP is the total rate of photosynthesis, while NPP is what's left after the producers use some energy for their own respiration. NPP = GPP - Respiration.

23. How does ecosystem productivity relate to energy flow?

Ecosystem productivity is directly linked to energy flow. Primary productivity represents the entry of energy into the ecosystem through photosynthesis. This energy then flows through the food web via consumption, driving secondary productivity. At each trophic level, some energy is lost as heat, following the laws of thermodynamics.

24. What is the difference between terrestrial and aquatic productivity?

Terrestrial productivity is generally limited by water and nutrient availability, while aquatic productivity is often limited by light and nutrient availability. Aquatic systems can be more productive per unit area, but terrestrial systems contribute more to global productivity due to their larger surface area.

25. What is the role of photosynthetic efficiency in primary productivity?

Photosynthetic efficiency, or how effectively plants convert light energy into chemical energy, is a key factor in primary productivity. Different plant species have varying efficiencies, with C4 plants generally being more efficient than C3 plants. Factors like leaf structure, chlorophyll content, and environmental conditions all influence photosynthetic efficiency.

26. What is productivity in an ecosystem?

Productivity in an ecosystem refers to the rate at which energy is created and stored as biomass by organisms. It's essentially the speed at which an ecosystem produces organic matter, which can be used as food by other organisms in the food chain.

27. What is the difference between productivity and biomass?

Productivity is the rate of biomass production over time, while biomass is the total amount of living matter in an ecosystem at a given time. An ecosystem can have high biomass but low productivity (like an old-growth forest) or low biomass but high productivity (like a frequently harvested agricultural field).

28. What is the concept of ecological efficiency in relation to productivity?

Ecological efficiency refers to the percentage of energy transferred from one trophic level to the next. It's typically around 10%, meaning about 90% of energy is lost between each level. This concept explains why productivity decreases at higher trophic levels and why food chains are limited in length.

29. How do symbiotic relationships affect ecosystem productivity?

Symbiotic relationships can significantly enhance ecosystem productivity. For example, nitrogen-fixing bacteria in root nodules increase plant productivity by providing essential nutrients. Mycorrhizal fungi enhance nutrient uptake for plants. These mutually beneficial relationships often allow for greater productivity than would be possible for the organisms individually.

30. How does fire affect ecosystem productivity in fire-adapted ecosystems?

In fire-adapted ecosystems, periodic fires can actually increase long-term productivity. Fires clear old vegetation, release nutrients back into the soil, and stimulate new growth. However, the short-term effect is a decrease in productivity. The balance between fire frequency and ecosystem recovery is crucial for maintaining productivity in these systems.

31. How does soil quality affect terrestrial ecosystem productivity?

Soil quality greatly influences terrestrial productivity. Fertile soils with good structure, adequate nutrients, and healthy microbial communities support higher plant productivity. Factors like soil pH, texture, and organic matter content all play roles in determining how well plants can grow and thus the overall productivity of the ecosystem.

32. What is the impact of ocean acidification on marine ecosystem productivity?

Ocean acidification, caused by increased CO2 absorption, can negatively impact marine productivity. It particularly affects organisms with calcium carbonate shells or skeletons, like corals and some plankton. This can disrupt food webs and reduce overall ecosystem productivity, especially in highly productive areas like coral reefs.

33. What is the role of keystone species in ecosystem productivity?

Keystone species have a disproportionate impact on ecosystem productivity relative to their abundance. They often maintain productivity by controlling populations of other species, facilitating nutrient cycling, or creating habitats. For example, sea otters in kelp forests control sea urchin populations, preventing overgrazing and maintaining the productive kelp ecosystem.

34. How does climate change affect global patterns of productivity?

Climate change is altering global productivity patterns. Warming temperatures are extending growing seasons in some areas, potentially increasing productivity. However, increased frequency of droughts, heat waves, and other extreme events can decrease productivity. Changes in precipitation patterns and CO2 levels also have complex effects on productivity across different ecosystems.

35. What is the concept of ecological pyramids and how do they relate to productivity?

Ecological pyramids visually represent the structure of ecosystems in terms of number, biomass, or energy at each trophic level. The pyramid of productivity shows how energy decreases at each trophic level due to ecological inefficiency. It illustrates why top predators are less abundant and why ecosystems can support more primary producers than consumers.

36. How does water availability affect terrestrial ecosystem productivity?

Water availability is often a key limiting factor for terrestrial productivity. Adequate water is essential for photosynthesis and nutrient uptake. Areas with higher rainfall or access to groundwater generally have higher productivity. However, excess water can also reduce productivity by causing waterlogging or nutrient leaching.

37. What is the role of microorganisms in soil productivity?

Soil microorganisms play a crucial role in ecosystem productivity. They decompose organic matter, releasing nutrients for plant use. Some fix atmospheric nitrogen, making it available to plants. They also form symbiotic relationships with plant roots, enhancing nutrient uptake. A healthy soil microbiome is essential for maintaining soil fertility and plant productivity.

38. How does the edge effect influence ecosystem productivity?

The edge effect often increases local productivity at the boundary between two different ecosystems. These edge areas, or ecotones, often have characteristics of both adjacent ecosystems, potentially supporting a greater diversity of species and higher productivity. However, in some cases, edge effects can also have negative impacts on ecosystem processes and overall productivity.

39. What is the relationship between ecosystem productivity and resilience?

Ecosystem productivity and resilience are often positively related. More productive ecosystems tend to have greater biodiversity and more complex food webs, which can enhance their ability to withstand and recover from disturbances. However, some highly productive systems (like monocultures) can be less resilient due to their simplicity.

40. How do pollutants affect ecosystem productivity?

Pollutants can significantly reduce ecosystem productivity. They may directly harm organisms, disrupt physiological processes, or alter environmental conditions. For example, air pollutants can damage plant leaves, reducing photosynthetic efficiency. Water pollutants can create dead zones in aquatic ecosystems. Some pollutants, like excess nutrients, may temporarily increase productivity but often lead to long-term ecosystem degradation.

41. What is the concept of ecological stoichiometry and how does it relate to productivity?

Ecological stoichiometry examines the balance of chemical elements in ecological interactions. It's crucial for understanding productivity because the ratios of elements like carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus in organisms and their environment influence growth rates and nutrient cycling. Imbalances in these ratios can limit productivity even when total nutrient quantities are high.

42. How does biodiversity loss impact ecosystem productivity?

Biodiversity loss often leads to decreased ecosystem productivity. Greater biodiversity can enhance productivity through niche complementarity (species using resources in different ways) and the sampling effect (higher chance of including highly productive species). Loss of key species can disrupt ecosystem processes and reduce overall productivity.

43. What is the role of trophic cascades in ecosystem productivity?

Trophic cascades occur when changes in the abundance of one trophic level affect other levels in the food chain. They can significantly impact ecosystem productivity. For example, the removal of top predators can lead to overgrazing by herbivores, reducing plant biomass and overall ecosystem productivity. Understanding these cascades is crucial for ecosystem management.

44. How do extreme weather events affect ecosystem productivity?

Extreme weather events like droughts, floods, or hurricanes can dramatically impact ecosystem productivity. Short-term effects are often negative, causing physical damage or physiological stress to organisms. Long-term effects can be more complex, potentially altering species composition and ecosystem structure, which in turn affects productivity patterns.

45. What is the concept of ecosystem engineers and how do they influence productivity?

Ecosystem engineers are organisms that significantly modify their environment, indirectly affecting other species. They can have major impacts on ecosystem productivity. For example, beavers create dams that alter hydrology and create new habitats, often increasing local biodiversity and productivity. Understanding the role of ecosystem engineers is important for predicting and managing ecosystem productivity.

46. How does the nitrogen cycle relate to ecosystem productivity?

The nitrogen cycle is crucial for ecosystem productivity. Nitrogen is a key component of chlorophyll and proteins, making it essential for plant growth. Processes like nitrogen fixation (by certain bacteria and legumes) and decomposition make nitrogen available to plants. Disruptions to the nitrogen cycle, such as excess fertilizer use, can lead to imbalances that affect ecosystem productivity.

47. What is the concept of bottom-up vs. top-down control of ecosystem productivity?

Bottom-up control refers to regulation of ecosystem productivity by resource availability (like nutrients or light), while top-down control involves regulation by predation or grazing. Most ecosystems are influenced by both, but their relative importance can vary. Understanding these controls is crucial for predicting how ecosystems will respond to changes in resource availability or species composition.

48. How does landscape fragmentation affect ecosystem productivity?

Landscape fragmentation can reduce ecosystem productivity by creating isolated patches of habitat. This can disrupt species movements, reduce population sizes, and alter ecosystem processes. Edge effects in fragmented landscapes can sometimes increase local productivity, but overall, fragmentation often leads to decreased ecosystem function and productivity at the landscape scale.

49. What is the role of keystone predators in maintaining ecosystem productivity?

Keystone predators play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem productivity by controlling herbivore populations. Without these predators, herbivores can overgraze, reducing plant biomass and overall ecosystem productivity. Keystone predators help maintain a balance that allows for optimal primary productivity and energy flow through the ecosystem.

50. How do feedback loops influence ecosystem productivity?

Feedback loops can significantly impact ecosystem productivity. Positive feedback loops can amplify changes, potentially leading to rapid increases or decreases in productivity. Negative feedback loops tend to stabilize systems, helping to maintain productivity within certain ranges. Understanding these feedback mechanisms is crucial for predicting how ecosystems will respond to changes and disturbances.

51. What is the concept of ecological energetics and how does it relate to productivity?

Ecological energetics studies the flow and transformation of energy in ecosystems. It's closely tied to productivity as it examines how energy enters ecosystems through primary production, how it's transferred between trophic levels, and how it's lost through respiration and heat. This concept helps explain patterns of productivity and biomass across different ecosystems and trophic levels.

52. How does ocean upwelling affect marine ecosystem productivity?

Ocean upwelling brings nutrient-rich deep waters to the surface, dramatically increasing productivity in these areas. These upwelling zones, often found along western continental coasts, support some of the world's most productive fisheries. Understanding upwelling patterns is crucial for predicting and managing marine ecosystem productivity.

53. What is the relationship between ecosystem productivity and carbon sequestration?

Ecosystem productivity is closely linked to carbon sequestration. More productive ecosystems generally sequester more carbon as they convert more CO2 into biomass through photosynthesis. However, the long-term storage of this carbon depends on factors like decomposition rates and ecosystem stability. Understanding this relationship is crucial for climate change mitigation strategies.

54. How do invasive plants affect soil productivity?

Invasive plants can significantly alter soil productivity. Some may increase productivity by fixing nitrogen or adding more organic matter to the soil. Others might decrease productivity by altering soil chemistry, outcompeting native plants, or changing fire regimes. The impact often depends on the specific invasive species and the ecosystem it's invading.

55. What is the concept of ecosystem services and how does it relate to productivity?

Ecosystem services are the benefits that humans derive from ecosystems. Many of these services, such as food production, carbon sequestration, and water purification, are directly linked to ecosystem productivity. Understanding and valuing these services helps in making informed decisions about ecosystem