Pyrophytic plants

Question 1

Whats the name for fire loving plants?

Answer 1

Pyrophytic plants

Question 2

What are pyrophytic plants?

Answer 2

Fire loving plants

Question 3

How are Pyrophytic plants adapted to fires?

Answer 3

Seed pods open when there is a fire (reseeding)

Question 4

Why do pyrophytic plants thrive? (3)

Answer 4

There is no competition for light as there is no vegetation.
No competition for water
No competition for nutrients

Question 5

How are eucalyptus forests adapted to fires?

Answer 5

Although they are highly flammable, they survive after fires as they are able to generate leaf growth straight from the stem

Question 6

How do fires affect ecosystem functions?

Answer 6

Lack of litter and vegetation cover can enhance erosion after the fire
Enhance water repellency after a fire

Question 7

What are the impacts of post-fire?

Answer 7

Soil erosion, debris flow, water contamination

Question 8

Negative ecological impacts (4)

Answer 8

Enhanced runoff and erosion
Killing of animals
Removal of vegetation and some fauna
Increase in post-fire hydrological and erosional event magnitude

Question 9

What are positive ecological impacts?

Answer 9

Removal of old vegetation- can increase variety and biodiversity.
Trigger for seeding or seed germination.
Maintenance of diverse vegetation and age structure

Question 10

What changed fuel availability in Europe?

Answer 10

Rural depopulation and afforestation with non-native species

Question 11

What is the main cause of fire in Europe?

Answer 11

Arson and accidental ignitions

Question 12

Name 7 areas where fire seasons have become more severe.

Answer 12

Alaska
Canada
Australia
Mediterranean Region
South America
Russia
Western US

Question 13

What are the effects of fire on soil carbon storage?

Answer 13

More carbon than the above ground biomass and atmosphere

Question 14

Where is most carbon stored in soils?

Answer 14

In the northern areas

Question 15

Where are the largest carbon stores?

Answer 15

Boreal zone

Tropical forests- mostly above ground

Question 16

How much terrestrial carbon do the world’s forests store?

Answer 16

40%

Question 17

Where will carbon return into the ecosystem the fastest?

Answer 17

Savanna

Question 18

Why can fires be carbon neutral events?

Answer 18

Balanced by regenerating vegetation

Question 19

How has climate change affected fires?

Answer 19

Fires are expected to increase due to greater risk of drought

Question 20

Name four ways how fires can be prevented.

Answer 20

Reduce fuel loads.
Slash and burn or introducing animals to strip away fuel.
Prescribed burning (can be risk).
Let fires burn where possible to reduce future risk.

Question 21

How can fires be suppressed? (2)

Answer 21

Early detection (satellite).
Indirect and direct attack via ground and aircrafts (expensive).