Question

What are pioneer species and how do they relate to primary succession?

Answer 1

The species which are the first to colonise an area where nothing is growing or in devastated areas (barren lands). The common characteristics of these species are that they are usually annuals, disappearing after the second year when perennials take over. In simple words, pioneer species are hardy species and the earliesr plants that settle in an area. For example, Lichens which grow on bare rocks.

Primary succession is the biological and ecological succession which occurs in lifeless areas like regions of lava flow, areas left from retreated glaciers. In areas like these, the organisms (mostly plants) which do not need much amount of soil or organic matter present in the soil (like Lichens) starts growing. These are the pioneer species since they are the first to colonize these areas. Thus, pioneer species are related to primary succession.