If bedrock is the hard solid rock beneath the surface, how can trees grow on bedrock?

Question

I’m studying ecology right now, and I’m a bit confused by this.

In: 21

Answer 1

Bedrock still has nutrients in it that trees can use, and it isn’t a homogenous slab of rock so tree roots can still find a hold down there. Will the tree grow quickly? No. Will it be as large as a tree of the same species in fertile topsoil? Also no. Will it at minimum survive? There’s a good chance it will.