primary and secondary succession

What is primary succession?

Ecological succession that begins in essentially lifeless areas, such as regions in which there is no soil or where the soil is incapable of sustaining life (because of recent lava flows, newly formed sand dunes, or rocks left from a retreating glacier). This contrasts with secondary succession, which occurs on substrates that previously supported vegetation.

What is secondary succession?

Ecological succession that occurs on substrates that previously supported vegetation, contrasting with primary succession which begins in lifeless areas. It is triggered by disturbances such as forest fires, floods, or human activities like logging or agriculture, which clear existing vegetation but leave the soil intact.

Give an example of primary succession.

The colonization of newly cooled lava flows by pioneer species such as lichens and mosses, which gradually break down the rock to form soil, allowing other plants to grow.

Give an example of secondary succession.

The regrowth of a forest after a fire. The fire clears out much of the existing vegetation, but the soil remains and contains seeds and nutrients, which allows for the rapid re-establishment of plant life.

What are the kingdoms?

Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, Protista, Archaea, and Bacteria.

What are the domains?