EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -Answer and Explanation: The correct answer is c. lichens. Lichens are most likely to be pioneer species in a newly formed volcanic island.

Detailed explanation-2: -On newly created volcanic islands, for example, after the rock cools, seeds blown by the wind may lodge in crevices, germinate, and take root. Often these first colonizing plants are weedy species, such as fast-growing grasses and lichens, that do not grow tall but do reproduce quickly.

Detailed explanation-3: -Primary succession occurs when new land is formed or bare rock is exposed, providing a habitat that can be colonized for the first time. For example, primary succession may take place following the eruption of volcanoes, such as those on the Big Island of Hawaii. As lava flows into the ocean, new rock is formed.

Detailed explanation-4: -Lichens are pioneers: they have the ability to settle on substrates that are very low in nutrients and can withstand extreme temperature and light conditions.

Detailed explanation-5: -After an environmental disturbance such as a volcanic eruption or forest fire, communities are able to replace lost species through the process of succession. Primary succession occurs after a volcanic eruption or earthquake; it involves the breakdown of rocks by lichens to create new, nutrient-rich soils.