AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Productivity is the conversion of energy into biomass over a given period of time. It is the rate of growth or biomass increase in plants and animals. It is measured per unit are per unit time, for instance grams per square meter per day (g m−2 d−1).

Detailed explanation-2: -Productivity is expressed in units of mass per volume per unit of time, such as grams per square meter per day (gm−2d−1).

Detailed explanation-3: -The rate of production of biomass or organic matter per unit area in an ecosystem is defined as productivity and is expressed as g m–2yr–1 or kcal m–2yr–1.

Detailed explanation-4: -Biomass productivity is determined by dividing the biomass per unit area by the age of the forest ecosystem. Biomass productivity of plantations can be determined accurately but the biomass productivity of uneven or all age stands are estimates of questionable value because of the age variation encountered.

Detailed explanation-5: -Biomass is often reported as a mass per unit area (g m−2 or Mg ha−1) and usually as dry weight (water removed by drying). Unless otherwise specified, biomass usually includes only living material.