Question

The extremely low precipitation of subtropical desert biomes might lead one to expect fire to be a major disturbance factor; however, fire is more common in the temperate grassland biome than in the subtropical desert biome. Why is this?

a) Subtropical deserts lack flammable vegetation
b) Temperate grasslands have more lightning strikes
c) Subtropical deserts have higher humidity levels
d) Temperate grasslands have a higher fuel load due to grass growth and periodic droughts

Answer 1

The higher fuel load from abundant grass growth and periodic droughts makes fire more common in temperate grasslands than in subtropical deserts. (option D)

The prevalence of fire in temperate grasslands, in contrast to the arid subtropical deserts, can be attributed to the former's higher fuel load.

Abundant grass growth, coupled with intermittent droughts, creates ample combustible material. In temperate grasslands, the periodic dry spells contribute to the accumulation of dry vegetation, increasing the risk of wildfires.

In contrast, subtropical deserts, while also characterized by low precipitation, often lack the same quantity of flammable vegetation, reducing the frequency of fires. The interplay between vegetation abundance, climate patterns, and fire dynamics underscores the nuanced relationship between biome characteristics and disturbance factors.

So option D is correct.