Which of the following is a pioneer community in Lithosere?
(a) Phytoplankton
(b) Foliose lichen
(c) Crustose lichen
(d) Moss

Options

A. Phytoplankton
B. Foliose lichen
C. Crustose lichen
D. Moss.

Answer

To determine which of the following is a pioneer community in Lithosere, we need to analyze each option provided:

1. **Understanding Pioneer Communities**:
- Pioneer communities are the first organisms to colonize a barren environment. They initiate the process of ecological succession, leading to the development of a more complex ecosystem.

2. **Evaluating Each Option**:
- **(a) Phytoplankton**: These are microscopic organisms found in aquatic environments, not in lithosere (terrestrial environments). Therefore, they cannot be considered a pioneer community in lithosere.
- **(b) Foliose Lichen**: While foliose lichens are important in ecological succession, they are not the first organisms to colonize bare rock or soil. They have leaf-like structures and come after the initial colonizers.
- **(c) Crustose Lichen**: Crustose lichens are tightly attached to surfaces like rocks and trees. They are among the first organisms to colonize bare substrates, making them true pioneer species in lithosere.
- **(d) Moss**: Mosses are important in later stages of succession and do not serve as the initial colonizers in lithosere.

3. **Conclusion**:
- Based on the analysis, the correct answer is **(c) Crustose lichen**, as they are the pioneer community in lithosere.

### Step-by-Step Solution:
1. Define what a pioneer community is.
2. Analyze each option to see if it fits the definition of a pioneer community in lithosere.
3. Determine that crustose lichen is the only option that fits the criteria.
4. Conclude that the correct answer is (c) Crustose lichen.