Pine trees are among the four families of coniferous plants. Most conifers are evergreens, but continually shed needles throughout the year. All conifers are gymnosperms, which means they produce seeds (like pinecones) that have no fruit and are usually dispersed by wind rather than animals. Many pinecones have evolved to only sprout following a forest fire to ensure that there will be sufficient light to feed the growing sapling.

Temperate coniferous forests grow in regions with sandy soil, mild winters and warm summers, and plenty of rain. They contain some of the tallest trees on the planet but relatively low animal diversity. Conifers growing in these forests include firs and giants such as the sequoia and redwood. 

Further towards the poles are the boreal or taiga forests where winters are very cold and summers are short and cool. Conifers in these forests include firs and spruces. Animal diversity is even lower than in temperate forests.