During which type of succession would you find organisms like mosses and lichens first?

Primary succession is the correct answer because it refers to the process of ecological change that occurs in an environment that is devoid of life, such as bare rock, lava flows, or areas that have been heavily glaciated. In these situations, the initial colonizers are typically pioneer species, which include organisms like mosses and lichens. These organisms are well-adapted to survive in harsh conditions, and they play a crucial role in soil formation by breaking down the rock substrate and contributing organic matter as they grow and die.

As these pioneer species grow, they help to create a more suitable environment for other plants to establish themselves, allowing the ecosystem to gradually progress toward a more complex community. Over time, the presence of mosses and lichens paves the way for the growth of grasses, shrubs, and eventually trees, leading to the development of a mature ecosystem.

In contrast, secondary succession occurs in areas where a disturbance has destroyed an existing community but left the soil intact, such as after a fire or flooding. Tertiary succession is not a commonly used term within ecological studies, while natural succession is a general term that encompasses both primary and secondary succession without specifying the initial conditions. Therefore, primary succession clearly aligns with the presence of mosses