Citation
Fire as an evolutionary pressure shaping plant traits
TL;DR
Serotinous cones require fire heat (60-70°C) to release seeds
Foundational research on fire-adapted regeneration mechanisms including serotiny (sealed cones requiring fire to open) and lignotubers (underground bunkers of dormant buds and stored energy). Demonstrates how ecosystems evolved to not just survive fire but require it for health.
Directly supports the Controlled Burn Principle: fire-adapted ecosystems regenerate faster after fire than undisturbed ecosystems grow. Preventing fire (suppressing small failures) leads to catastrophic fire (accumulated failure debt).
Key Findings from Keeley et al. (2011)
- Serotinous cones require fire heat (60-70°C) to release seeds
- Lignotubers are underground bunkers protecting dormant buds from fire
- Fire-stimulated germination triggers synchronous seed release
- Fire-adapted ecosystems regenerate faster after fire than undisturbed systems grow