Answer to Question #155064 in Human Anatomy and Physiology for Kiki

Question

A brush fire started from a nearby village and wiped out 90% of the grasses in the ecosystem shown in the diagram. What may be some effects observed within this ecosystem as a result of the brush fire?

Answer 1

• Gases and particles from burning organic matter and biomass may pollute the air. This may affect the air quality permanently or temporarily.
• There will be an increase in the infiltration capacity of soil precipitation leading to increased soil erosion.
• Reduced organic matter content in the upper layers of the soil as the recycling process of organic matter is interrupted by the destruction of biomass.
• Nearby water bodies will be polluted by the eroded sous and polluted air.
• Water cycle is interrupted as both the soil and vegation are destroyed. Thus, they temporarily cannot contribute to the cycle.
• Reduced carbon fixation.
• Reduction in fauna as most are either destroyed or migrate.
• During regrowth, the vegation composition may be altered if new species of plants are introduced in the ecosystem.
• Reduced growth rate for plants as the organic matter and humus content of the soil is affected negative, hence lower fertility.