Common Pioneer Species: Fungi, lichen, grasses, and wildflowers.
How these species relate to primary succession: Primary succession is when new growth occurs in a location devoid of vegetation and soil. First, these pioneer species will colonize the area. They will start to recreate the soil, allowing smaller plants to live in the area, attracting animals, and eventually allowing trees and larger plants survive in the area.
How these species relate to secondary succession: Secondary succession is the growth of plants in a an area where plants were destroyed, but the soil remains intact. In boreal forests, the main cause of the destruction is wildfires. Also, some species, like the Jack Pine will only release seeds after a fire. The succession of growth is similar however pioneer species are not needed in secondary succession.