Which of the following would appear as the pioneer organisms on bare rocks?
Answer: (A) Lichens. Answer: (A) Lichens Solution: Lichens are symbiotic associations of algae and fungi and are the pioneer colonisers on bare rocks, where they initiate primary succession by gradually weathering the rock surface.
- A.Lichens✓
- B.Liverworts
- C.Mosses
- D.Green algae
Correct Answer
(A) Lichens
Solution & Explanation
Answer: (A) Lichens Solution: Lichens are symbiotic associations of algae and fungi and are the pioneer colonisers on bare rocks, where they initiate primary succession by gradually weathering the rock surface. Liverworts, mosses and green algae require some pre-formed soil/moisture and colonise later, so they are not the pioneers on bare rock. NCERT Reference: NCERT Class XI, Biological Classification, p.21, lines 37-38 — "Lichens are symbiotic associations i.e. mutually useful associations, between algae and fungi"