Final answer:
Primary succession starts on new or barren land with no soil, involving soil formation by pioneer species, while secondary succession occurs where soil exists following a disturbance, proceeding at a faster rate as it does not require new soil formation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Differences Between Primary and Secondary Succession
When discussing ecological succession, we differentiate between primary succession and secondary succession based on the condition of the land before the succession begins. Primary succession occurs on new lands or areas where soil and all life have been completely removed, like after a volcanic eruption or glacier retreat. The land is initially barren and, as such, pioneer species, which typically include hearty plants and lichens, play a critical role in soil formation.
In contrast, secondary succession happens in areas that have been disturbed but where some organic matter and soil remain. This type of succession can follow events like fires, floods, or human activities such as farming. The presence of existing soil makes secondary succession generally proceed at a faster rate compared to primary succession.
Primary succession is a slow process that starts from rock and involves the generation of new soil ecosystems, as seen on the Big Island of Hawaii with its continuous lava flow that cools and hardens into new land. Secondary succession, on the other hand, takes place in environments that already support life and soil, such as an abandoned field transitioning back to its natural state.