Question

A volcano erupted on an island. The entire plant community was destroyed and the island was covered with grey ash. Slowly, lichens and mosses started growing on the island. They helped in the process of soil formation and later other plants started growing too.

Answer 1

Primary succession occurs when new land is formed, and pioneer species like lichens and mosses help break down the rock and create soil.

Step-by-step explanation:

Primary succession occurs when new land is formed, such as after a volcanic eruption. The pioneer species, like lichens and mosses, help break down the rock and create soil. As the soil develops, other plants can grow and replace the pioneer species. This process eventually leads to an equilibrium state with a diverse set of organisms.

Answer 2

There are several kinds of plants who grow and thrive near volcanic locations. For example coffee, grape vines, moss and the rare Hawaiian argyroxiphium, or "silversword." These plants grow and survive using the nutrients from the ashes of the volcanic eruptions along with cooled lava.

Mosses and Lichens form a protective layer over the land which helps it to retain water inside it, rather than drying out which is the case in volcanic sites. Therefore, the retained water helps the land to form and become appropriate for other plants to grow as well.