When lichen die, they get incorporated with sand, forming new, nutrient-rich soil. This soil creates the basis for the new ecosystem by allowing small plants to begin rooting there.
As the lichen die, they decompose and their organic material mixes with the surrounding sand. This decomposition process releases nutrients into the soil, making it nutrient-rich. These nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, are essential for plant growth.
The newly formed soil, enriched with nutrients, provides the basis for a new ecosystem. It becomes suitable for small plants to establish their roots and grow. These plants can be mosses, grasses, or other hardy species that are capable of thriving in nutrient-poor and harsh conditions. They take advantage of the fertile soil to anchor themselves and access the nutrients necessary for their growth.
As these small plants establish themselves, they create a foundation for a more diverse ecosystem to develop. They provide shelter and habitat for various organisms such as insects, spiders, and small mammals. The plants also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, facilitating the reproduction of both the plants themselves and other flowering species.
Over time, this newly formed soil, enriched with decomposed lichen and supported by a growing community of plants and organisms, contributes to the overall health and stability of the ecosystem. It becomes the starting point for a cycle of life, where more complex organisms like shrubs and trees can eventually take root and further diversify the ecosystem.