Question

Legends bar important to an ecosystem because they ____.

1) become unstable
2) help form soil
3) prevent tree growth
4) replace older communities

Answer 1

Lichens, as pioneer species, contribute to soil formation, initiating a process that leads to increased biodiversity and a thriving ecosystem.

Step-by-step explanation:

Lichens are important to an ecosystem because they help form soil. These organisms are known as pioneer species because they are the first to colonize barren environments like bare rocks. Lichens and other pioneering organisms execute critical functions such as weathering rocks and contributing organic material, which aids in soil formation. This new soil is essential for other plants to take root, and as these plants grow and decompose, they further enrich the soil. Consequently, more complex plant communities can establish themselves, which eventually leads to the development of a fully functioning ecosystem with a high level of biodiversity.