What is the difference between primary and secondary succession?

Primary succession occurs in areas where there was no previous soil or vegetation, while secondary succession occurs in areas where there was previous soil and vegetation.

Primary succession is the process of ecological succession that occurs in areas where there was no previous soil or vegetation. This can occur in areas such as newly formed volcanic islands, glacial moraines, or landslides. The process begins with the colonization of pioneer species, such as lichens and mosses, which can grow on bare rock. Over time, these pioneer species break down the rock and create soil, allowing for the growth of other plants. As the soil becomes more developed, larger plants such as shrubs and trees can grow, eventually leading to a climax community. This process is influenced by various factors, including the structural hierarchy of water molecules in the ecosystem.

Secondary succession occurs in areas where there was previous soil and vegetation, but the area has been disturbed or disrupted. This can occur in areas such as abandoned farmland, burned forests, or areas that have been cleared for development. The process begins with the colonization of pioneer species, such as grasses and weeds, which can grow in disturbed soil. Over time, these pioneer species create a more stable environment, allowing for the growth of other plants. As the vegetation becomes more established, larger plants such as shrubs and trees can grow, eventually leading to a climax community. The rebuilding of these ecosystems can also be linked to the properties and bonds of monomers in biological molecules.

In both primary and secondary succession, the movement and interaction of species can be affected by the fundamentals and importance of diffusion. Additionally, understanding the mechanisms of natural selection can help explain how certain species become dominant in these successional stages.

A-Level Biology Tutor Summary: Primary succession starts in places with no soil or plants, using pioneer species like lichens to create soil. Secondary succession happens where soil exists but was disturbed, beginning with fast-growing plants like grasses. Both lead to a stable ecosystem, with primary needing to develop soil first and secondary rebuilding on existing soil, eventually forming a diverse plant community.