how are forest fires beneficial to conifers like jack pines?
Fire is the mechanism by which the forest is continually regenerated, states Hall. Fires consume dead, decaying vegetation accumulating on the forest floor, thereby clearing the way for new growth. Some species, such as the jack pine, even rely on fire to spread their seeds. The jack pine produces seratonous (resin-filled) cones that are very durable. The cones remain dormant until a fire occurs and melts the resin. Then the cones pop open and the seeds fall or blow out. In the Canadian boreal forest, aspen and jack pine are the most important âpioneer speciesâ, observes Hall.