Question

What is the main difference between primary and secondary succession?

Answer 1

Primary succession occurs on barren land, and secondary succession occurs where soil is present.

Step-by-step explanation:

Primary succession occurs on barren land. This process generally begins with soil production. Fungus and lichens colonize bare rock, secrete acid, and break down the rock into sediments. Then, pioneer species move in and continue to alter the environment. The process of primary succession is very slow and could take thousands of years to reach a climax community.

Secondary succession occurs where soil is present. This process is caused by a local disturbance, such as a forest fire, that causes an ecological set back. Since it begins with soil and organisms are already present, secondary succession takes less time than primary succession.

Answer 2

Primary succession is the process in which plants and animals first colonize a barren habitat. Secondary succession differs from primary succession in that it begins after a major disturbance—such as a devastating flood, wildfire, landslide, lava flow, or human activity (farming, road or building construction, or the like)—wipes away part of a landscape.