In North America this tree is subject to widespread mortality by the native American Pinewood Nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, spread by means of beetle vectors.

"Famine" further included a rise in food prices above 140% of "normal", the movement of people in search of food, and widespread mortality.

This is an intertidal zone and the event caused widespread mortality in a number of species living in the area such as algae and shellfish.

It has been shown to be one of several Armillaria species responsible for widespread mortality of oak trees in the Arkansas Ozarks.

It initially caused widespread mortality among the wild rabbit population but, like myxomatosis before it, has not led to extermination of the pest species.

"Increases in sea-surface temperature of about 1-3 C are projected to result in more frequent coral bleaching events and widespread mortality unless there is thermal adaptation or acclimatisation by corals."

The pest has now been established in eleven eastern states from Georgia to Massachusetts, causing widespread mortality of hemlock trees.

Since these bacteria do not normally cause such widespread mortality, Dr. Geraci said the search for an agent that had weakened the dolphins and made them susceptible to bacterial infection would continue.

He said that sooner or later population gets checked, by famine, disease, and widespread mortality.

Surprisingly, the widespread mortality of the plague of 1349 did not completely upset the balance of power between lord and peasant.