Question

A logger clears a forest and the forest re-grows over many years. Which of the following choices is likely to represent pioneer species in succession? A) pine trees B) oak and hickory trees C) mosses and short grasses D) blackberry briers and weeds

Answer 1

The correct answer would be C) mosses and short grasses.

Pioneer species refers to the organisms which appear first in an area during succession.

In secondary succession, the soil remains nutrients rich which makes the recolonization of the area much easier and quicker. Low lying species such as annual plants, mosses, short grasses, and weeds recolonize the area.

Then over a time, grasses, shrubs, and other species would grow which is followed by small trees such as pine, hickory, oak et cetera.

Gradually, the forest will be restored to its pre-deforestation state.