Which of the following is an important function of pioneer species?

Pioneer species play a crucial role in ecological succession, particularly in newly disturbed or barren environments. Their main function is to create conditions that enable other species to establish and thrive. These organisms, often hardy and adaptable, can survive in harsh conditions where few other species can. Through processes such as soil formation, stabilization of the substrate, and the addition of organic matter after decomposition, pioneer species improve the habitat for subsequent species.

As these species alter the physical and chemical environment, they make it more suitable for a wider range of life forms, including plants that require more nutrients, moisture, or stable soils. This gradual change facilitates the transition toward a more diverse and complex ecosystem. Thus, they are instrumental in increasing biodiversity over time by paving the way for more sensitive species to enter the ecosystem, ultimately leading to ecological succession.