Final answer:
Primary succession happens when new land, such as that from volcanic activity, is colonized for the first time and involves the gradual development of an ecosystem, starting with pioneer species that can tolerate harsh conditions. Secondary succession is the process of recovery in an area where the ecosystem has been disturbed but soil remains. Over time, both processes lead to a biodiverse equilibrium state. Therefore , the correct answer options is a)
Step-by-step explanation:
Primary succession describes a process where a new land is colonized by living organisms for the first time. For instance, when a volcano creates a new island of rock, primary succession is what takes place as this barren land begins to support life. Initially, the environment is harsh and unwelcoming with no soil to sustain life. Over time, weathering processes and pioneer species, like lichens and succulent plants, initiate the transformation of rock into soil.
These pioneer species are crucial because they can survive in such nutrient-poor conditions and eventually create better conditions for other species. As these primary settlers grow and die, they contribute organic material that enriches the soil, making it hospitable for subsequent, more demanding species like grasses, shrubs, and trees. This process continues until the ecosystem reaches a state of equilibrium where a complex community of different species thrive.
Contrastingly, secondary succession occurs in areas where an existing ecosystem has been disturbed but soil remains, such as after a forest fire burns down a forest or a tornado destroys a crop. Here, the recovery process is faster because the soil infrastructure is already in place to support new growth.