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What are the effects of drought on terrestrial ecosystems?

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Droughts can have several negative effects on terrestrial ecosystems, such as:

  1. Reduced plant growth: Drought can limit the availability of water, which can lead to reduced plant growth and productivity in terrestrial ecosystems.
  2. Increased risk of wildfires: Drought conditions can make vegetation more susceptible to wildfires, which can have devastating effects on terrestrial ecosystems.
  3. Changes in soil composition: Drought can lead to changes in soil composition, such as increased salinity and reduced nutrient availability, which can impact the health of terrestrial ecosystems.
  4. Loss of biodiversity: Drought can lead to habitat loss and fragmentation, which can result in a loss of biodiversity in terrestrial ecosystems.
  5. Altered food webs: Drought can disrupt food webs in terrestrial ecosystems, as changes in plant growth and productivity can affect the availability of food for animals.

Overall, drought can have significant and long-lasting impacts on terrestrial ecosystems, disrupting the delicate balance of plants, animals, and microorganisms that rely on each other for survival.

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