What is the difference between primary and secondary production?

Primary production is the conversion of light energy into chemical energy by autotrophs.

Primary production is the process by which autotrophs, such as plants and algae, convert light energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis. This chemical energy is then used to fuel the organism's metabolism and growth. Primary production is the foundation of all food webs and ecosystems, as it provides the energy and nutrients necessary for the survival of all other organisms. For more details on this, see the light-dependent reactions in photosynthesis.

Secondary production, on the other hand, is the production of biomass by heterotrophs.

Secondary production is the process by which heterotrophs, such as animals, consume organic matter produced by autotrophs or other heterotrophs and convert it into their own biomass. This biomass is then used to fuel the organism's metabolism and growth. Secondary production is dependent on primary production, as it relies on the availability of organic matter produced by autotrophs. Understanding the limiting factors in photosynthesis can help in comprehending the constraints on primary production that affect secondary production.

A-Level Biology Tutor Summary: Primary production involves plants and algae converting sunlight into energy via photosynthesis, serving as the base of all food webs. Secondary production occurs when animals eat these plants (or other animals) and turn this food into their own body mass. Essentially, primary production creates the food, and secondary production involves eating it to grow. Both processes are crucial for ecosystem balance. To explore the broader context of these processes, see our notes on ecology. Additionally, recombinant proteins in disease treatment illustrate practical applications of understanding biomass production.