Which of the following plants would likely be the first to colonize a newly formed volcanic island (an environment of bare rock with no developed soil)?
A palm tree
A lycophyte
A bryophyte
A cactus
A gymnosperm
Answer
A bryophyte
These are plants which includes all non-vascular, land plants and can be split into three groups: mosses, hornworts and liverworts and are known to have features that can help them survive on rocks and environment with undeveloped soils
Explanation
It is the bryophytes which are known to survive in harsh conditions and specifically these plant can survive on bare rocks and soil and also known to play an important role in plant succession on bare rocks. Additionally, these plants usually, show alternation of generations and have a unique nickname which is among the reasons why these plants are termed as the amphibians of the plant kingdom.
