The effects of fire are dependent on spatial and temporal scales. A forest that has adapted to a 10 year fire cycle will react much differently when fires are suppressed and occur only every 100 years. Much depends on intensity, temperature, and spatial scale. Humans are a major factor in fire ecology. Wind- can create gaps in wooded areas that open areas for colonization.
Sunlight can penetrate canopy.
May affect one or few trees or thousands of hectares. Hurricanes- a major cause of island and coastal disturbance. Effects from wind, flooding, and disruption of breeding. Could cause or contribute to extinction if the population consists of few individuals. May also disperse species to new areas.