Question

Name the pioneer species on a bare rock. How do they help in establishing the next type of vegetation? Mention the type of climax community that will ultimately get established.

Answer 1

Usually, Lichen is the pioneer species on a bare rock. It carries out the primary succession. Lichens secrete acids over the rock that has the ability to dissolve it gradually, aiding in weathering and soil formation. This provides nutrients and environment suited for the growth of small plants like bryophytes which are able to hold the soil. These plants are succeeded by bigger plants ultimately resulting in a climax forest community. Here, with time, xerophytic habitat gets converted into mesophytic habitat. The climax community formed is a mesophytic one. It remains in equilibrium unless there's an environmental change.