In our body, the major part of cells is irreversibly differentiated into somatic cells. From a cellular point of view, this process of differentiation seems to be an evolutionary disadvantage. However, cellular differentiation is a process aimed at exploiting the genetic variation in order to obtain a highly specialized cell type that is capable of carrying out a specific cellular function. For example, keratinocytes are highly specialized epithelial cells that function by separating the organism from the surrounding environment.
Besides wildfires, human settlements affect neighboring ecosystems through biotic processes, including exotic species introduction, wildlife subsidization, disease transfer, landcover conversion, fragmentation, and habitat loss.
