Why do the lodgepole pine trees seal their cone's shut with sticky pitch?

Lodgepole pine trees seal their cones shut with sticky pitch as a protective mechanism against environmental threats such as pests and extreme weather. This resin helps to keep seeds secure until favorable conditions for germination arise, often triggered by fire. The heat from wildfires melts the pitch, allowing the cones to open and release seeds, which can then take advantage of the nutrient-rich, post-fire soil. This adaptation enhances the tree's reproductive success in fire-prone ecosystems.