Question

The open ocean produces the highest net primary productivity of Earth's ecosystems. The net primary productivity per square meter of the open ocean is relatively low. How can both these statements be true?

Answer 1

The open ocean contain a huge amount of produces. Mainly the Algal components in the ocean is very productive. The Area of ocean is very very large as compared to terrestrial area so in ocean primary productivity is maximum. But this is also true that the area is very vast as compared to the producers . The Alga is the main producer so this is produce less amount of organic matter as compared to area of ocean. So less primary productivity per square metre is relatively low.

Conclusion - Net primary productivity is high as compared to terrestrial component of ecosystem.

Net primary productivity per square metre is low because the no of producer is less as compared to the area of ocean.