Final answer:
Primary literature in science provides original research studies and findings, while secondary literature condenses, repackages, and comments on the primary literature to make it more accessible and understandable.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary literature in science refers to original research studies and findings that are published in scientific journals. Secondary literature, on the other hand, takes the primary literature and collates, repackages, and comments on it to make the information more accessible and understandable to a wider scientific audience.
Primary literature serves as the foundation for scientific knowledge and provides detailed accounts of the experimental methods, results, and conclusions of the original researchers. It is essential for scientists to stay updated with the latest research and build upon the existing body of knowledge.
Secondary literature plays a crucial role in providing summaries, reviews, and analyses of primary literature. It helps scientists save time by condensing complex scientific studies into more manageable formats. Secondary literature also helps disseminate scientific knowledge to non-experts, such as science journalists, educators, and the general public.