Describe pioneer species

Question

Describe briefly about pioneer species? And also write down the role of pioneer species?

Answer 1

Pioneer species are those primary species which colonize places where previously there were no living beings, like, for instance, algae which colonize bare rocks.

In common, pioneer species are autotrophs or those which maintain harmonious ecological interaction with the autotrophic beings (such as autotrophic bacteria, lichens, herbaceous plants).

The pioneer community is formed of species capable to survive under the hostile environments. The presence of these species modifies microenvironment generating alters in a biotic and biotic factors of ecosystem undergoing formation. Thus they open the manner to other species to establish in the place by creation of new potential ecological niches.