Biology · PLANT KINGDOM

Mosses along with lichens play a major ecological role on bare rocks because:

1. They decompose rocks, making the substrate suitable for higher plants, and form dense mats that reduce soil erosion.
2. They secrete digestive enzymes that completely destroy topsoil within weeks.
3. They fix atmospheric nitrogen and convert bare rock directly into aquatic wetlands.
4. They inhibit the growth of vascular plants by secreting toxic alkaloids into the soil.