Final answer:
The three models of succession are primary succession, which occurs on newly formed land without soil; secondary succession, which occurs in areas with existing soil after disturbances; and the concept of a climax community.
Step-by-step explanation:
The three models of succession discussed in ecological studies are primary succession, secondary succession, and the traditional concept of a climax community.Primary succession occurs on newly exposed or formed land where no soil exists. Examples include volcanic lava cooling and forming new rock or land left by retreated glaciers. Life begins with hardy pioneer species, such as lichens and mosses, that can withstand harsh conditions and contribute to soil formation.
Secondary succession happens in areas where soil is already present, but the existing community has been disturbed, for example, by a forest fire or human activities like farming. The earlier community stages resurface more quickly due to the presence of soil and leftover seeds or spores.
The concept of a climax community refers to a stable end-point following succession where the ecosystem reaches a steady state. This term has been scrutinized because ecosystems are now known to be more dynamic and less permanent than this model suggests.
When considering accuracy, many ecologists now view the concept of the climax community with skepticism because ecosystems are continually changing and subject to disturbances that prevent a final steady state. Therefore, between primary and secondary succession, neither is more "accurate" but rather context-dependent. Primary is suited for newly formed environments, while secondary applies to disturbed but not entirely destroyed areas.
Ecosystems are dynamic, and an understanding of both primary and secondary succession is essential to accurately describe ecological processes over time.