Question

During succession, how might the early species facilitate the arrival of other species?

Short answer

The species that originate early during ecological succession increase the fertility of the soil. They improve the soil structure by increasing the water holding capacity of the soil. The new seedlings get shelter from the early species from intense sunlight and wind.

Step-by-step solution

Ecological succession

The process that alters the structure of a community or ecosystem over time is called ecological succession. Primary and secondary successions are two types of ecological successions.

A succession begins with small pioneering plants and gradually gives rise to a climax community with stable or self-perpetuating species.

Pioneer species

Pioneer species or early species are organisms that are the first to colonize during succession.Lichens, nitrogen-fixing bacteria, Lyme grass, mosses, green algae, earthworms, insects, ants, and fungi are pioneer species.

Pioneer organisms are adapted to develop in soil that has low nutrients. They reproduce asexually, and disperse only through wind and water.

Role of pioneer species

The death of pioneer species increases the fertility of the soil.The decaying of pioneer plants creates plant litter, which creates new soil after breaking into leaf mold. It improves soil texture and water-holding capacity.

The secondary pioneer plants that are colonizing below the early species obtain shelter from intense sunlight and wind. In this way, early species colonized in the process of succession facilitate the arrival of a stable climax community.