It introduces the concept of a fire regime and its influence on the type and distribution of organisms that occur in fire prone ecosystems. It also looks at some of the adaptations of plants that have evolved in these ecosystems and how animals either avoid or exploit the consequences of fire as a natural disturbance. Finally it examines how fire can increase biodiversity by generating a mosaic of habitats within an ecosystem and briefly addresses some of the consequences of climate change and global warming on the intensity and frequency of fires.

Course learning outcomes

After studying this course, you should be able to:

• Explain why fire is an important component of healthy ecosystems
• Explain what is meant by a ‘fire regime’ and how changes in fire regimes can lead to changes in ecosystems
• Describe some adaptive features of plants that have evolved in response to fire
• Describe how some animals avoid fires and/or benefit from the aftermath of natural fire
• Explain how global warming may result in an increase in both the frequency and intensity of fires.