Question

Which is likely to be the first organisms to colonize an area after an disturbance like fire?

Lichens
Woody plants
Grasses
Shrubs

Answer 1

Pioneer species, including lichens, grasses, shrubs, and woody plants, are likely to be the first organisms to colonize an area after a fire.

Step-by-step explanation:

The first organisms to colonize an area after a disturbance like fire are known as pioneer species. These organisms change the environment and prepare the way for other species. In the case of a fire, pioneer species are likely to include bacteria and lichens. Lichens can live on bare rock and help weather the rock to form soil. Once soil begins to form, plants such as grasses can move in, followed by shrubs and later woody plants.

Answer 2

Grasses

Step-by-step explanation:

This question is describing secondary succession, which is the type of succession that occurs when a given area has being disturbed by natural disasters like hurricane, volcanic eruption, fire outbreak etc.

In secondary succession, the first set of organisms that recolonize the area after the disturbance are called PIONEER SPECIES. Pioneer species can include small annual plants like grasses. Hence, among the given options, GRASSES are likely to be the first organisms to colonize an area after a disturbance.