Final answer:
Lupines are important to primary succession because they can fix nitrogen into the soil, improving fertility for other species and leading to increased biodiversity and ecosystem complexity. They are part of the early stages of succession, which eventually results in a diverse and self-sustaining ecosystem.
Step-by-step explanation:
Lupines, along with other pioneer species, play a crucial role in primary succession, which is the process of establishing life in areas where soil has not yet formed. Lupines are important to primary succession because they are capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen into the soil, making it more fertile and hospitable for other species to grow.
This nitrogen enrichment is crucial for subsequent ecological development as it supports the growth of a wider range of plants, leading to increased biodiversity and the establishment of a more complex ecosystem. As these pioneer plants grow and die, they add organic material to the developing soil, which, along with the breakdown of rock by lichens and mosses, continues to enhance the soil quality.
In regions like Maui, Hawaii, primary succession can be observed in the wake of volcanic eruptions where lava flows create new land. Initially, hearty plants and lichens, which can survive with minimal soil nutrients, colonize the area. Over time, their presence leads to soil development, which allows less hardy species to take over, culminating in a diverse and self-sustaining ecosystem. Thus, lupines and similar pioneer plants serve as the ecological foundation for new environments, kickstarting the long process of succession.