In the nature, which of the following is/are most likely to be found surviving on a surface without soil?
- 1.Fern
- 2.Lichen
- 3.Moss
- 4.Mushroom
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
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Answer: C. Lichens and mosses are pioneer species that grow on bare rock without soil. They are the first to colonise rocks and help form soil. Ferns and mushrooms usually need soil or organic matter. So 2 and 3.
Watch for: Remember the pioneer species in primary succession on rocks: lichens, then mosses.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Wrong because ferns and mushrooms usually need soil or decaying matter.
- B. Wrong because mosses also grow on bare surfaces.
- D. Wrong because lichen is the classic example and fern and mushroom need soil.
Source to check: NCERT Class 12 Biology (older edition), Chapter 14 Ecosystem, Ecological Succession
Answer from the official UPSC key. Written and fact-checked by AI against the official key. Spotted a mistake? Report it.