Pioneer species

Pioneer species are the first plants or animals to move into an environment or habitat. They are very important in helping to make a new habitat livable for other plants and animals. They can do this in a few different ways.

1. They help to break up the soil, which gives other plants room to grow by their roots.
2. They provide shade and food sources for other animals.
3. They bring in important nutrients, such as nitrogen, into the soil so that other plants can access the nutrients they need to grow.

Pioneer species lead the way for other species to come and live in the new habitat. Without them, no other plants or animals could live in the new environment.