How does a forest recover after a wildfire?
How does a forest recover after a wildfire?
The process of ecological succession that follows a disturbance.
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
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Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.The process of ecological succession that follows a disturbance.
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© MinuteEarth (A Britannica Publishing Partner)Plants play a key role in perpetuating the cycle of evaporation, condensation, and precipitation within tropical rainforest biomes.
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Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.The decomposition of forest litter and its mineralization.
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Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.Rainforests are where the ancestors of humans first evolved—and where our closest living relatives still live.
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Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.The biomass of temperate forests.
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Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.In Belize and elsewhere in Central America, deforestation has caused serious problems.
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Contunico © ZDF Studios GmbH, Mainz; Thumbnail © Andrey Gudkov/Dreamstime.comLearn about efforts to protect the rainforest in the Congo basin, central Africa.
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© Open University (A Britannica Publishing Partner)Learn about fungi in the forest ecosystem, including how some fungi digest plant matter (saprotrophism), while others form mutualistic (mycorrhizal) relationships with plants.
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© Sam Cossman (A Britannica Publishing Partner)Ecological succession happens when new life takes over an environment. Here, a sunken ship demonstrates the process in a tropical coral reef.
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Transcript
A wildland fire can sweep through a forest with blazing force and intensity. If the forest has gone through extended periods of dry weather, a fire can be completely devastating. In these cases, and after less-destructive disturbances, the damaged ecosystem must begin the slow process of regeneration known as succession.
Annual plant life, such as weeds and wildflowers, are the first species to return to a disturbed habitat. They sprout from seeds during the first year or two after the fire. These pioneer plants help transform the mineral composition of the soil, making it more hospitable. Seeds from new, exotic plant species may be introduced to the area during this time - carried by the wind or wild animals. If such invasive species take hold in the ecosystem, they often hinder the regrowth of native plants.
Within the next few years, grasses and perennial plants return to the area. Shrubs and tree seedlings grow within 25 years. They provide habitats for birds and small mammals but shade out smaller plants. The forest floor becomes darker as the trees grow tall, and many of the once dominant pioneer species begin to die off, replaced by hardier shade-tolerant plants. As environmental conditions become more favorable for hickory and oak trees, they, too, sprout.
Approximately 150 years after the fire, the hickory and oak trees reach maturity, and the forest becomes a climax community. The populations of plants and animals stabilize, and the species composition of the forest ecosystem remains relatively constant until the next disturbance sets the process of succession in motion once again.
Annual plant life, such as weeds and wildflowers, are the first species to return to a disturbed habitat. They sprout from seeds during the first year or two after the fire. These pioneer plants help transform the mineral composition of the soil, making it more hospitable. Seeds from new, exotic plant species may be introduced to the area during this time - carried by the wind or wild animals. If such invasive species take hold in the ecosystem, they often hinder the regrowth of native plants.
Within the next few years, grasses and perennial plants return to the area. Shrubs and tree seedlings grow within 25 years. They provide habitats for birds and small mammals but shade out smaller plants. The forest floor becomes darker as the trees grow tall, and many of the once dominant pioneer species begin to die off, replaced by hardier shade-tolerant plants. As environmental conditions become more favorable for hickory and oak trees, they, too, sprout.
Approximately 150 years after the fire, the hickory and oak trees reach maturity, and the forest becomes a climax community. The populations of plants and animals stabilize, and the species composition of the forest ecosystem remains relatively constant until the next disturbance sets the process of succession in motion once again.
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