It may be distinguished from other causes such as spontaneous combustion and natural wildfires.

One example of a situation where abiotic stress plays a constructive role in an ecosystem is in natural wildfires.

On the larger scale, though, natural wildfires are positive manifestations of abiotic stress.

The organisms in these communities have adapted to withstand, and even to exploit, natural wildfire.

According to the 2004 plan, natural wildfires are allowed to burn, so long as some conditions about fire size, weather and potential danger applied.

Ecologists were beginning to recognize the presence and ecological importance of natural lightning-ignited wildfires across the United States.

Development also leads to the suppression of natural wildfire, necessary to maintain the pinelands' rare habitats.

John explained that natural wildfires had historically kept the floor of the forests clear of debris, while the big trees survived.

According to the 2004 plan, natural wildfires are allowed to burn, so long as parameters regarding fire size, weather and potential danger were not exceeded.

In the far western part of North America, chaparral plant communities are typically controlled by periodic natural wildfires.