Final answer:
Pioneer species are the first to colonize harsh bare areas, starting the process of ecological succession. Lichens are a common example, capable of breaking down rock to form soil.
Step-by-step explanation:
The organisms that are usually the first to establish or colonize a harsh bare area are known as pioneer species. These species are hardy and adapted to tough environments, capable of living on bare rock and beginning the process of ecological succession. An example of a pioneer species is lichens, which consist of a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and algae or cyanobacteria. Lichens can thrive in environments with little to no soil because they can photosynthesize and draw nutrients directly from the rock, helping to break down the rock and form the initial soil.