Final answer:
Secondary succession occurs after a forest fire, where the habitat gradually regrows and rebuilds through the growth of different plants and trees. The community goes through various stages, starting with annual plants and eventually reaching a diverse forest community.
Step-by-step explanation:
After a setback like a forest fire, a process called secondary succession occurs. This is a natural and gradual process of ecological recovery in which a habitat is gradually rebuilt after a disturbance. In the case of a forest fire, the first plants to grow back are usually annual plants, followed by quickly growing grasses and other pioneer species. Over time, shrubs emerge along with small trees, leading to the reestablishment of a diverse forest community. This process can take many years, with the forest eventually reaching an equilibrium state known as the climax community.