Wildfires are frequent In the Great Basin shrub steppe. Every time there is a fire outbreak, much of the natural vegetation is destroyed. What is the MOST LIKELY impact of fire on this ecosystem?
Responses
A A drastic reduction in the animal population due to migration or death by starvation.A drastic reduction in the animal population due to migration or death by starvation.
B No impact, because the plants have only been temporarily removed from the ecosystem.No impact, because the plants have only been temporarily removed from the ecosystem.
C There would be no rainfall because there are no trees or shrubs in the region.There would be no rainfall because there are no trees or shrubs in the region.
D Non-native plants and animals would migrate into the region.
A drastic reduction in the animal population due to migration or death by starvation.
A A drastic reduction in the animal population due to migration or death by starvation.
The most likely impact of fire on the Great Basin shrub steppe ecosystem is A) a drastic reduction in the animal population due to migration or death by starvation.
To understand why this is the most likely impact, we need to understand the role that vegetation plays in this ecosystem. The Great Basin shrub steppe is a semi-arid region characterized by low precipitation and the presence of drought-tolerant shrubs, grasses, and small trees. These plants provide important sources of food and habitat for the animal population in the ecosystem.
When a fire occurs in this ecosystem, much of the natural vegetation is destroyed. This means that the animals lose their food sources and habitat, leading to a reduction in their population. Some animals may be able to migrate to find food and shelter in nearby areas, while others may die as a result of starvation.
Option B, "No impact, because the plants have only been temporarily removed from the ecosystem," is not the most likely impact because the destruction of vegetation can have long-lasting effects on the ecosystem. It takes time for new plants to grow and for the ecosystem to recover from the fire.
Option C, "There would be no rainfall because there are no trees or shrubs in the region," is not correct. While trees and shrubs can contribute to local precipitation through a process called transpiration, the absence of these plants will not completely eliminate rainfall in the region. Rainfall is primarily determined by larger-scale weather patterns and atmospheric conditions.
Option D, "Non-native plants and animals would migrate into the region," is not the most likely impact because the immediate aftermath of a fire is typically not conducive to the introduction of non-native plants and animals. In the short term, the focus is on the recovery and regrowth of the native vegetation.
Therefore, the most likely impact of fire on the Great Basin shrub steppe ecosystem is a drastic reduction in the animal population due to migration or death by starvation.