Organism
Pocket Gopher
TL;DR
Burrowing rodent that survived the Mount St.
Burrowing rodent that survived the Mount St. Helens eruption underground and played a critical role in early succession. Pocket gophers began turning over soil, mixing organic matter and seeds into the sterile volcanic substrate. Their burrowing activity facilitated plant establishment by improving soil structure and bringing buried seeds to the surface.
Notable Traits of Pocket Gopher
- Survived eruption underground
- Soil mixing
- Facilitates plant establishment