Watch the following video for a brief introduction to the two types of successions, primary and secondary. There are two types of ecological succession, primary and secondary.
Watch the following video for a brief introduction to the two types of successions, primary and secondary.
Source: Mark Drollinger, YouTube
Click on the pictures below to learn about each type of succession.
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Primary Succession Primary succession involves changing an area from one lacking any life forms (plants, animals, or soil) to one that includes a diversity of plant, animals, and insects. The most important aspect of primary succession is that it begins without soil. This means that there could have been a previous community. For example, disturbances, such as a volcanic eruption or glacial retreat, remove the mineral substrate (bare rock) causing the area to being from scratch.
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Secondary Succession Secondary succession occurs when there has been a disturbance to an existing community that removes or damages the vegetation, but does not remove the existing soil. The pioneer species in secondary succession start with roots or seeds that remain after the disturbance. This type of succession occurs faster than primary succession. Secondary succession follows disasters, such as wildfire, hurricane, or other natural disturbances. Secondary succession can also follow human activities, such as logging and farming.
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Sources: Adapted from Natural Succession, University of Wisconsin, Adapted from Succession, Physical Geography
