- A large fire burned across the Mojave Desert region.
- The fire killed many Eastern Joshua trees.
- Scientists worried that soil life would die.
- Researchers checked soil after the fire.
- Fungi and microbes still lived underground.
- Some fungal groups even increased a little.
- Many trees later died from drought and other damage.
- Tree recovery will be slow and difficult.
Difficult words
- fungus — A living organism like a mushroom or moldFungi
- microbe — A very small living thing you need a microscope to seemicrobes
- drought — A long time with very little or no rain
- recovery — The process of getting better after damage or illness
- underground — Under the ground or below the earth surface
- researcher — A person who studies something to find answersResearchers
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Have you ever seen a large fire?
- Have you seen dry weather or drought where you live?
- Would you try to help trees after a fire?
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