primary productivity

Primary productivity is the process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis. This energy is stored in organic molecules like sugars, which serve as the foundation of the food chain. Essentially, it measures how much plant-based life in an environment is producing new organic material over a specific time. Higher primary productivity indicates a more vibrant ecosystem with more energy available for herbivores and other organisms. It’s a key indicator of the health and productivity of ecosystems like forests, oceans, and grasslands.