What is a major environmental impact of wildfires?

Wildfires can have profound effects on the environment, one of the most significant being habitat destruction. When a wildfire sweeps through an area, it often completely decimates the habitats of various plant and animal species. This destruction can lead to the loss of biodiversity, as many species may not survive the intense heat, flames, or subsequent impacts on their food sources and shelter.

While it is true that some plant species have adapted to survive wildfires, the immediate consequences often involve severe destruction of their habitats, especially for those species that are less fire-resistant. Recovering from such destruction can take many years, even decades, and some species might not return at all, leading to long-term ecological consequences.

In contrast, the other options do not typically align with the primary impacts of wildfires. Increased soil fertility is not a direct outcome of wildfires, as the burning process can initially deplete nutrients. Enhanced air quality is generally not a result of wildfires; in fact, they tend to cause air pollution through smoke and particulate matter. Similarly, while some native species may benefit from the conditions created post-fire, the widespread destruction of habitats overshadows these benefits. Therefore, habitat destruction stands out as the major environmental impact of wildfires.