fire-adapted
Plants and animals that have evolved traits allowing them to survive, regenerate after, or, in some cases, depend on periodic wildfires.
Adaptations may include thick bark, underground buds, the ability to resprout from roots or lignotubers, or seed release triggered by heat or smoke (a process known as serotiny).
In the Santa Cruz Mountains, fire-adapted species play a crucial role in shaping resilient ecosystems by promoting post-fire regeneration, stabilizing soils, and supporting long-term biodiversity.
In post-CZU landscapes, recognizing the role of fire-adapted species helps us see how recovery takes shape through natural regeneration and steady acts of human care.
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