Smog damages plant life by inhibiting plants' natural ability of plants to make and store food through photosynthesis. When this process is compromised, plant growth, reproduction and general health suffer. Smog can weaken plants that already sensitive and make them more susceptible to disease, habitat stressors and pests. As a consequence, plants can start dying out and become unable to contribute to the greater ecosystem they inhabit. Low-lying smog can deplete crop yield for important agricultural plants like wheat, cotton and soybeans. Smog harms animals as well. Nitrogen oxides in smog can kill fish and algae in water habitats.