What do you call the rate of formation of new organic matter by consumers?

Secondary productivity

The correct answer is Option (4) – Secondary productivity

The rate of formation of new organic matter by consumers is referred to as secondary productivity. This term specifically denotes the amount of organic matter produced by heterotrophic organisms (consumers) within an ecosystem. It represents the energy and biomass accumulated by consumers through feeding on primary producers (plants) or other consumers.

Secondary productivity is crucial in understanding the flow of energy and nutrients within ecosystems, as it indicates the efficiency of energy transfer from one trophic level to the next. It is influenced by factors such as the abundance of primary producers, the efficiency of consumer feeding and digestion, and environmental conditions.

Therefore, the correct term for the rate of formation of new organic matter by consumers is: Secondary productivity.