The Hawaiian island of Mauna Loa is an active volcano. In areas where lava no longer flows, primary succession is taking place. Which of the following is an example of a pioneer species that can be seen here?
Primary succession is the type of succession which occurs in an area which was previously unoccupied and thus, has no formed soiled substratum.
A pioneer species is the one which are the first to colonise an area.
Now, when the primary succession has to take place, species like orchids, pineapple trees and sugar cane cannot be pioneer species as they require a nutrient rich and well developed soil substratum for their growth.
However, species like algae are very hardy and can begin their growth on nutrient deficient place with the available moisture. These can easily survive in a hostile environment and further pave the way for higher species and increase the diversity of a region.
Thus, in areas where lava no longer flows and primary succession has to take place, only algae can be the pioneer species.
