Abstract

Human actions are threatening global biodiversity through changes to ecosystems to which species are not well adapted. One of the main pathways by which humans affect change is through altered disturbance regimes. This includes changes in the size, frequency, and severity of wildfires. The impact of wildfires on native plant and animal communities varies across ecosystems as species in a community have adapted relatively predictable fire patterns over time. Changing fire patterns alters successional dynamics that can favor certain species over others and thus have a negative impact on biodiversity. This dissertation evaluates responses of different plant and animal species across desert and forest ecosystems to experiencing fires. Using long-term experimental burn-plots and long-term camera trap studies, I am able to demonstrate how fire affects multiple species in different biomes. In desert ecosystems, western harvester ants generally respond positively to fire, likely through increased spatial opportunities to establish disk spaces. The effects of fire on rodent community dynamics were largely negative. While plant species diversity tended to increase in burned areas. The effects of fire on desert plant and animal? species varied over time, likely due to interactions with temperature and precipitation. In forest ecosystems fire can be an important driver of occupancy for elk as well as mule deer depending on the season. An improved understanding of biological responses to fire will allow us to be better prepared for changes that may further threaten global biodiversity.

Degree

PhD

College and Department

Life Sciences; Plant and Wildlife Sciences

Rights

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