Final answer:
Secondary succession is quicker because it happens in areas where soil already exists and can support new growth immediately, unlike primary succession, where soil must first be created from exposed rock.
Step-by-step explanation:
Why Secondary Succession Takes Less Time Compared to Primary Succession
Secondary succession takes a shorter time compared to primary succession because it occurs in areas where a community has previously existed and where soil is already present.
After an event like a forest fire or flood, the soil ecosystem remains, rich in nutrients and capable of supporting new plant growth. In contrast, primary succession occurs on new land or exposed rock, where soil must first be formed. Pioneer species must break down the rock into soil, a process that can take a long time.
Thus, in areas of secondary succession, pioneer species such as grasses can quickly colonize the soil that was left behind and start the process of succession, leading to a more rapid recovery of the ecosystem.