Fire Adaptations Explored

We've all heard about fire adaptations before, however Agee's Chapter 5 and 6 in this week's reading pinpointed numerous adaptations that were first identified by Daubenmyer in 1947. While it is stated that not all of these adaptations are solely related to fire, many of them are still used in understanding how individual species can adapt to fire, specifically in response to intervals, intensity and frequency.

The first adaptation that stuck out to me is germination, and species that have adapted to fire will sometimes have hard-coated seeds that lay dormant in the soil until a fire occurs. However, some of these seeds have a maximum heat-threshold, which may prove that they will only survive a fire if the intensity is low enough to germinate yet not destroy the seeds. According to Agee, an example of this type of adaptation is seen in Rhus, or, as it's more commonly known, Sumac.

(Source: http://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=RHUS)

Another adaptation that is worth mentioning is the ability to rapidly grow and develop, completing a life cycle fairly quickly in order to disperse seeds before a fire occurs. This type of adaptation is typically seen in areas where frequent fires occur. According to Agee, an example of this type of adaptation is seen in the species Bishop pine, or Pinus muricata.

(Source: http://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=PIMU#)

Reference:

Agee, James K. 1996. Fire Ecology of Pacific Northwest Forests. Island Press 2nd Edition