Final answer:
Ecological succession is the sequential appearance and disappearance of species in a community over time after a disturbance. Primary succession occurs on new lands where life has not yet existed, and secondary succession occurs in previously inhabited areas that were disturbed.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ecological succession refers to the sequential appearance and disappearance of species in a community over time after a severe disturbance. Primary succession occurs on new lands where life has not yet existed, such as after a volcanic eruption or glacial recession. Secondary succession occurs in previously inhabited areas that were disturbed, such as after a fire, flood, or human activity like farming.
Examples of primary succession:
- New land from a volcanic eruption being colonized
- Land exposed as a glacier recedes
Examples of secondary succession:
- Area affected by a forest fire
- Land that was previously used for agriculture and has been abandoned