An adaptive trait is a behavior, physical feature or other characteristic that helps a plant or animal survive and make the most of its habitat. For example, the saguaro cactus, which inhabits the deserts of the southwestern U.S., can store water. This adaptation helps the cactus survive through long periods of drought. All living things have some traits that are adaptations to disturbances and constraints of their environments. Disturbances include physical and biological disturbances, of which fire is one.
Plants are unable to run, fly, creep or crawl out of a fire's path.
Plants have adapted other methods to survive fires. Individual plants have adaptations to ensure their survival through a fire. To survive a fire, a plant must be able to insulate itself from the heat of the flames. Bark thickness is the most important factor determining fire resistance of trees. Ponderosa pine, longleaf pine, slash pine, loblolly pine and giant sequoia are examples of trees with thick bark that acts as insulation from forest fires.