Question

Why are lichens called pioneer colonisers? Name the lichen which is popularly called reindeer moss.

Answer 1

Lichens are called as pioneer colonisers because they are first organisms which started to grow in the volcanic island. Lichens release acid which corrodes the rock surface. This creates small pores and releases minerals from rock. Mineral decomposition due to chemicals released by lichens results in soil formation. Hence, it fastens the process of transformation of rock into sand grains.

Cladonia rangiferina is called as reindeer moss. It is also called as Reindeer Lichen.