Pioneer species
Definition
Pioneer species are the first organisms to colonize a barren or disturbed area. They are hardy and can survive in harsh conditions, paving the way for other species to establish themselves.
Analogy
Think of pioneer species as the first people to settle in a new land. Just like these pioneers, pioneer species are the trailblazers that prepare the environment for other organisms to thrive.
Related terms
Succession: The process by which an ecosystem changes over time, starting with pioneer species and progressing towards a more complex community.
Primary succession: The type of succession that occurs on bare rock or newly formed land where no soil exists.
Secondary succession: The type of succession that occurs after a disturbance has cleared an existing community but left the soil intact.
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