Ecosystem Productivity Comparison
Question
Which one of the following is the correct sequence of ecosystems in the order of decreasing productivity? (a) Oceans, lakes, grasslands, mangroves (b) Mangroves, oceans, grasslands, lakes (c) Mangroves, grasslands, lakes, oceans (d) Oceans, mangroves, lakes, grasslands
Options
Oceans, lakes, grasslands, mangroves
Mangroves, oceans, grasslands, lakes
Mangroves, grasslands, lakes, oceans
Oceans, mangroves, lakes, grasslands
Explanation
Mangroves are among the most productive ecosystems (high net primary productivity due to constant moisture, nutrients, and sunlight), followed by grasslands (moderate productivity), then freshwater lakes (lower than grasslands), and finally oceans (lowest per unit area, though high in total due to size). Option (c) correctly sequences these from highest to lowest productivity. The other sequences incorrectly place oceans, lakes, or grasslands in higher productivity positions than supported by ecological data.
Question details
Year
2013
Paper
GS Paper 1
Question
Q23
Subject
Environment
Sub-topic
Primary Productivity of Ecosystems
Type
Factual single
Difficulty
Medium
Nature
Static
Source hint
NCERT Biology - Ecosystems
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