What factors influence primary productivity?

Both the availability of nutrients and photosynthetic capacity of plants

a-Availability of nutrients

b-Photosynthetic capacity of plants

c-Both the availability of nutrients and photosynthetic capacity of plants is the correct option.

d-None of the above

Primary productivity is indeed influenced by various factors, including the plant species present in a specific area and a range of environmental factors. It is also affected by the availability of nutrients and the photosynthetic capacity of plants. As a result, primary productivity can vary across different types of ecosystems.

In the biosphere as a whole, the annual net primary productivity is estimated to be approximately 170 billion tons of organic matter (dry weight). However, it is noteworthy that despite the oceans covering about 70 percent of the Earth's surface, their productivity accounts for only 55 billion tons. The majority of primary productivity occurs on land.

This information highlights the significant contribution of land ecosystems to the overall net primary productivity of the biosphere. It demonstrates that even though the oceans occupy a larger area, their productivity is comparatively lower. The differences in primary productivity between land and ocean ecosystems can be attributed to variations in factors such as nutrient availability, light penetration, and the diversity of plant and algal species.