Moss grows where there was previously only rock. Which situation describes this example? a pioneer species in primary succession a pioneer species in secondary succession a climax community in primary succession a climax community in secondary succession
Question
Moss grows where there was previously only rock. Which situation describes this example?
a pioneer species in primary succession a pioneer species in secondary succession a climax community in primary succession a climax community in secondary succession
Solution
The correct answer is "a pioneer species in primary succession".
Here's why:
Primary succession is the series of community changes which occur on an entirely new habitat which has never been colonized before. For example, a newly quarried rock face or sand dunes.
Pioneer species are hardy species which are the first to colonize previously disrupted or damaged ecosystems, beginning a chain of ecological succession that ultimately leads to a more biodiverse steady-state ecosystem.
Moss is often a pioneer species as it is able to grow on hard surfaces such as rocks where there is very little soil. It helps to break down the rock and create soil, allowing other, more complex plants to begin growing. This is a key characteristic of primary succession.
Secondary succession, on the other hand, occurs in areas where a community that previously existed has been removed; it is typified by smaller-scale disturbances that do not eliminate all life and nutrients from the environment.
A climax community represents the final stage of succession, characterized by a stable community that has reached a steady state, following the sequential changes in species composition.
So, in this case, moss growing where there was previously only rock is an example of a pioneer species in primary succession.
Similar Questions
What is an example of secondary succession?Multiple choice question.mosses beginning to grow on a lifeless area after a glacier retreatedshrubs growing on land that has been burned by a firelichens on bare rockpioneer species colonizing an area where a volcanic eruption eliminated all life
A devastating fire destroyed a great deal of wooded forest. Many organisms were killed or displaced, but existing plants began to immediately shed seeds that recolonize the park.This is an example of which of the following?Choose 1 answer:Choose 1 answer:(Choice A) Secondary successionASecondary succession(Choice B) Climax communityBClimax community(Choice C) Primary successionCPrimary succession(Choice D) DesertificationDDesertification
Which would be an example of primary succession?Question 8Select one:a.The regrowth of a forest after a fire.b.The first growth on land uncovered when a glacier retreats.c.The growth of wild plants on an abandoned farm.d.all of the above.
What is an example of primary succession?Multiple choice question.Cedar trees take over a section of tallgrass prairie.A prairie becomes established in an abandoned farm field.Lichens cover volcanic rock.After a pine forest is clear-cut, it is replanted with pine seedlings.
What type of plants thrive in recently disturbed environments?Group of answer choicesNo plantsAll plantsLate successional plantsEarly successional plants
Upgrade your grade with Knowee
Get personalized homework help. Review tough concepts in more detail, or go deeper into your topic by exploring other relevant questions.