Final answer:
Downy Brome, also known as Cheatgrass, is a weed with rapid growth and high seed production. It increases wildfire frequency and negatively impacts biodiversity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Downy Brome, also known as Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), is a problematic weed that has significant ecological impacts. One of its key characteristics is its ability to compete with and displace native plant species. It has a rapid growth cycle and produces large amounts of seeds, which allows it to quickly colonize and dominate disturbed areas.
Cheatgrass also has a negative impact on ecosystems by increasing the frequency and intensity of wildfires. It dries out earlier in the season compared to native grasses, providing abundant dry fuel for fires. The grass-fire cycle created by Cheatgrass promotes further invasion and establishment of this species at the expense of native vegetation.
Furthermore, Cheatgrass negatively affects biodiversity by reducing habitat quality and availability for native species. Its dense growth prevents the establishment of other plant species and disrupts food webs by altering the distribution of resources.