Question

Explain the progress of ecological succession in newly formed volcanic island.

Answer 1

1. Primary succession starts at places where no living organisms were present before like a newly formed volcanic island.
2. Before a biotic community of diverse organisms can be established, there must be soil. Depending mostly on climate, it takes natural processes, several hundred to several thousand years to produce fertile soil on bare rock. 
3. The species which invade a bare area and initiate the succession are called pioneer species. Crustose lichen grows on the rocks which secretes acid to dissolve rock. This helps in weathering of rocks and formation of soil.
4. These conditions become favourable for the next community i.e. bryophytes and mosses take hold of the small amount of soil.