A billionaire buys a sterile volcanic island that recently emerged from the sea. Seeding the island with which of the following would most likely accelerate the development of conditions that would support plant growth?
A) basidiospores
B) spores of ectomycorrhizae
C) lichens
D) yeasts

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Lichens are symbiotic associations between fungi and algae (or cyanobacteria) that can colonize bare rock and start the soil formation process by breaking down the rock and accumulating organic matter. This makes them crucial for initiating the development of conditions that support plant growth on a new volcanic island.

A Billionaire Buys a Sterile Volcanic Island That Recently Emerged