Final answer:
Zebras keep water in their bodies through adaptations such as efficient kidneys and a specialized digestive system. The growth of a zebra population is influenced by factors like food availability and predation. Disturbances like fire and predators can have direct and indirect effects on mammal populations in African grasslands.
Step-by-step explanation:
Zebras keep water in their bodies through various adaptations. One of the main ways zebras conserve water is by having efficient kidneys that can concentrate their urine, reducing water loss. Additionally, they have a specialized digestive system that allows them to extract as much moisture as possible from the vegetation they eat. Finally, zebras are able to reduce sweating and regulate their body temperature to minimize water loss through evaporation.
The growth of a zebra population is influenced by factors such as food availability, predation, disease, and competition for resources. When there is abundant food and minimal predation or disease, the zebra population can increase rapidly. On the other hand, factors like drought, increased predation, or the spread of diseases can negatively impact zebra populations and limit their growth.
A disturbance like a fire or predator can have both direct and indirect effects on the number of mammal species in African grasslands. In the case of a fire, it can destroy vegetation and habitat, reducing the food and cover available for mammals. This can lead to a decline in the number of mammal species. Predators can also directly impact mammal populations by hunting and feeding on them, which can affect their abundance and distribution.