Grahamstown

Fire over mountains near Grahamstown, South Africa. Fire is an important agent in ecosystems, whether naturally occurring or caused by human activity. It can have a beneficial impact on ecosystems by killing off weeds and invading species. This favours plants that have adapted to fire. Some have very thick barks, whereas others regenerate quickly after a fire. However, devastation can occur when the ecosystem is not adapted to fire, and this is often the case when the cause of fire is human activity.

Town in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa, 45 km/28 mi from the coast, 532 m/1,745 ft above sea level; population (1991) 19,800. It is the seat of Rhodes University, founded in 1904 as Rhodes University College.

Grahamstown was named after Colonel Graham of the 93rd Highlanders, who established a settlement near Xhosa land in 1812. Scottish and English settlers arrived in 1820. The essential unity of the original town plan has been preserved. It is one of South Africa's principal educational centres. There are also Roman Catholic and Anglican cathedrals, and the 1820 Settlers Monument.