Why do ferns uncurl as they come up in the spring?

Ferns uncurl as they come up in the spring due to a process called circinate vernation, where the tightly coiled fronds (fiddleheads) gradually unfurl as they grow. This curling protects the delicate new leaves from damage during their initial growth stages, helping them avoid environmental hazards like frost or herbivory. As temperatures warm and conditions become favorable, the fronds expand to maximize photosynthesis and reproductive potential.