Does the equator have high primary productivity?

Does the equator have high primary productivity?

To replace it, nutrient-rich water is drawn up from the ocean depths, bringing a steady supply of nutrients to the sunlit surface and producing a band of consistently high primary productivity at the equator.

Why is NPP higher near the equator?

Having more energy available in this area means more consumers can be supported. That the are is relatively stable in terms of environment when compared to polar regions has also been suggested as a reason for increased biodiversity at the equator. This stability has meant species are less likely to go extinct.

How does primary productivity increase?

A high primary productivity rate in the ecosystems is obtained when the physical factors (for instance: water, nutrients and climate) are favourable. The presence of some forms of secondary energy can also help to increase the primary productivity rate.

Why is primary productivity low in tropical regions?

In tropical regions sunlight is plentiful throughout the year, so light is not a limiting factor. Thus productivity in tropical water is always nutrient-limited, and productivity is low throughout the year (Figure 7.4. 2).

Where is primary productivity most prevalent Why?

The highest net primary productivity in terrestrial environments occurs in swamps and marshes and tropical rainforests; the lowest occurs in deserts.

How does productivity increase in terrestrial ecosystems?

In general, terrestrial ecosystem net primary production increases with increasing: moisture availability as measured by evapotranspiration. length of growing season. temperature measured as mean annual temperature.

Why does species diversity increases towards the equator?

A new study led by Oxford Earth Sciences’ Associate Professor Erin Saupe suggests that higher species diversity in equatorial regions may be caused by higher rates of speciation (the formation of new and distinct species in the course of evolution), driven by changes in precipitation across space and through time.

Why does biodiversity increase towards the tropics?

The higher temperatures in the tropics cause higher rates of metabolism, ecological dynamics and coevolutionary processes, which generate and maintain higher biodiversity.

Why is primary productivity high in some ocean areas and low in others?

The proximity to land and its nutrient sources, the interception of sinking organic matter by the shallow seafloor, and the propensity for coastal upwelling all result in highly productive ecosystems.

What is the relationship between primary productivity and biodiversity?

Biodiversity was linked to an increased temporal stability of primary productivity, which again suggests that BEF relationships observed in experiments with small plots (2) also apply in natural systems at the landscape scale.

What are the patterns of productivity in the ocean?

Local patterns of productivity: High productivity can occur even at low latitudes Shelf areas cover 15% of ocean area, but 50% of oceanic primary productivity. –Nutrients recycle from bottom in shallow, well-mixed shelf waters

What drives the east coast’s primary productivity?

The polar westerlies blow around the Southern Ocean, and drive a eastward current. As this current approaches Tasmania, the upwelling of nutrient rich water fuels primary productivity. This image shows ocean productivity along the East Coast from Cape Hatteras NC to the Bay of Fundy.

What are other theories about the latitudinal diversity gradient?

Other theories explaining the latitudinal diversity gradient include that there is greater habitat diversity towards the equator, creating more niches for species to inhabit. Some also believe greater primary productivity at the equator has lead to greater biodiversity. Having more energy available in this area means more consumers can…

Why is there more biodiversity at the equator?

That the are is relatively stable in terms of environment when compared to polar regions has also been suggested as a reason for increased biodiversity at the equator. This stability has meant species are less likely to go extinct. To read a lot more about this topic, see this article or check out this great read.