Answer:
It protects the seed until it matures
Step-by-step explanation:
Pine cones don't have chroloplasts so they can't produce photosynthesis. Pine cones are rough and spiky and birds wouldn't want to put something rough and spiky in their nests where they raise their young. But it is rough and spiky enough to protect the seed until it's been dispered far enough to break open the shell and start growing.