The Waiting Game: The Science of Serotiny

Some species don't simply survive fire, they depend on it. In the third episode of Ashes and Adaptations, we will be discussing serotiny. This remarkable fire adaptation uses heat to trigger seed release. We'll explain what serotiny is, how it works, and why it is beneficial.

Sources:

Parchman, T. L., Gompert, Z., Mudge, J., Schilkey, F. D., Benkman, C. W., & Buerkle, C. A. (2012). Genome‐wide association genetics of an adaptive trait in lodgepole pine. Molecular ecology, 21(12), 2991-3005.

Schoennagel, T., Turner, M. G., & Romme, W. H. (2003). The influence of fire interval and serotiny on postfire lodgepole pine density in Yellowstone National Park. Ecology, 84(11), 2967-2978.