Primary productionDefinition (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Primary_production) Primary production is the synthesis of organic compounds from atmospheric or aqueous carbon dioxide. It principally occurs through the process of photosynthesis, which uses light as its source of energy, but it also occurs through chemosynthesis, which uses the oxidation or reduction of chemical compounds as its source of energy. Almost all life on earth is directly or indirectly reliant on primary production. The organisms responsible for primary production are known as primary producers or autotrophs, and form the base of the food chain. In terrestrial ecoregions, these are mainly plants, while in aquatic ecoregions algae are primarily responsible. (Wikipedia) Preferred Units: N/A Scope Note: N/A This term is used for the following terms: N/A Approved Date 22-May-2013 Items having a keyword or observed-property relationship to this subject term Click here to give feedback on this term or suggest an update. |