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a) Fire (natural, human induced)
- Fire is usually ah occasional factor in the ecosystem. However, fire can within a short time cause substantial modifications.
- To a large extent, fire has a non-selective effect. All independent components of ecosystems are likely to be affected by fire which becomes particularly drastic if driven by wind.
- Most natural cause of fire is lightening.
- Fires cause changes in the composition of vegetation and in soil moisture and nutrient levels. Modifications also occur in microclimates, notably among temperature and light conditions within the vegetation cover, while plant competitors, animal food supplies and habitats are likely to be varied.
- Fire is regarded as a single important factor in the origin and development of grassland ecosystems. Grasses are best adapted to withstand the effects of fire. Often, the presence of fire stimulates the growth of grasses.
- Deliberate burning can be a problem; yet, exclusion of fire may also lead .to a greater incidence of diseases and pests and disappearance of grassland ecosystems.
- Fire affects vegetation differently:
Some plants need exposure to fire before germination
It results in radical changes in the community structure
Some plants have roots, shoots which are fire adapters.
b) The population factor
- A complex of interacting abiotic and biotic factors, which vary in both space and time, controls the survival of biota within an ecosystem.
- Biotic restraints depend on interactions between individuals, and involve such effects as competition, predation, parasitism and disease.
Abiotic restraints normally operate independently of population numbers, and the physical environmental factors.
c) Anthropogenic factors
Human beings are also biotic factors because they select certain plants and animals over others. This is done through agriculture, intensification of grazing and fire Through domestication of animal, man affects the distribution of plants, differently. For instance, through:
- Plant morphology/physiology brought about by grazing, browsing and trampling;
- Vegetation composition including loss of species brought about by selective grazing. Grazing may also bring about elimination of shrubs and bushes, and weaken desirable species, increase competition and reduce soil fertility.
francis1897 answered the question on February 27, 2023 at 12:08
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