Primary Succession vs. Secondary Succession: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sumera Saeed || Updated on October 6, 2023
Primary succession starts on bare, lifeless substrate while secondary succession occurs after a disturbance in an existing community.
Key Differences
Primary succession is an ecological process that occurs in an environment where no living organisms previously existed. Think of barren lands like freshly formed volcanic islands. In such settings, there are no signs of prior life, and the land is essentially starting from scratch. Secondary succession, conversely, takes place in areas where a community of organisms has previously lived but was disrupted by disturbances like fire or logging.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 06, 2023
In primary succession, the initial stage is typically dominated by pioneer species. These are hardy organisms, often lichens and mosses, that can withstand harsh conditions and begin the process of soil formation. As the process continues, these pioneer species pave the way for more complex plants and, eventually, animal species. Secondary succession, however, starts not from completely barren ground but from a place where previous inhabitants and some remnants of the original ecosystem, like soil, still exist.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 06, 2023
As primary succession progresses, the evolving community modifies its environment, leading to changes in the types of species that can survive there. Over time, this results in a mature and relatively stable community, often culminating in a climax community. In secondary succession, the process is faster. Since there's already soil and possibly seeds and roots, the area can more rapidly regain its previous state or evolve into a new community altogether.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 06, 2023
A significant difference between primary and secondary succession lies in their timelines. Primary succession can take hundreds to thousands of years, given that it starts from a point of complete lifelessness. Secondary succession, because it has a head start with existing soil and sometimes dormant seeds or organisms, can take decades to centuries.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 06, 2023
Comparison Chart
Starting Point
Bare, lifeless substrate
After a disturbance in an existing community
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Oct 06, 2023
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Initial Species
Pioneer species like lichens, mosses
Species from remnants or surrounding areas
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Oct 06, 2023
Soil Presence
Starts without soil
Begins with existing or partially degraded soil
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Oct 06, 2023
Timeline
Can take hundreds to thousands of years
Usually faster, decades to centuries
Aimie Carlson
Oct 06, 2023
Typical Causes
Volcanic eruptions, glacial retreats
Fires, logging, agriculture, hurricanes
Sumera Saeed
Oct 06, 2023
Primary Succession and Secondary Succession Definitions
Primary Succession
Succession that starts from scratch without prior life.
The retreat of glaciers often leaves land open for primary succession.
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Oct 06, 2023
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Secondary Succession
Succession in areas with previous life but faced disruption.
The abandoned farmland underwent secondary succession and slowly turned back to a forest.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 06, 2023
Primary Succession
Ecological process starting on entirely lifeless areas.
On the new volcanic island, primary succession began with lichens colonizing the rocks.
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Oct 06, 2023
Secondary Succession
Ecological recovery following a disturbance.
After the forest fire, secondary succession allowed the forest to regrow.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 06, 2023
Primary Succession
Evolution of life in an area devoid of previous organisms.
Primary succession gradually transformed the barren dunes into a thriving ecosystem.
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Oct 06, 2023
Secondary Succession
Re-establishment of an ecosystem after a disruptive event.
The hurricane's aftermath was a prime area for secondary succession.
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Oct 06, 2023
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Primary Succession
The initial colonization of lifeless habitats.
The newly formed sandbank underwent primary succession to become a vegetated area.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 06, 2023
Secondary Succession
The sequence after a partial destruction of a habitat.
The area, post-flooding, experienced secondary succession with new plant species emerging.
Huma Saeed
Oct 06, 2023
Primary Succession
Process where ecosystems develop on entirely new land.
After the volcanic eruption, primary succession started on the fresh lava.
Sara Rehman
Oct 06, 2023
Secondary Succession
Succession process leveraging existing soil and remnants.
Secondary succession in the cleared plot saw the rapid growth of shrubs and trees.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 06, 2023
FAQs
Can primary succession occur on a burned forest?
No, that's secondary succession since the forest had prior life.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 06, 2023
How does secondary succession start?
It begins after a disturbance in a previously inhabited area.
Huma Saeed
Oct 06, 2023
Can secondary succession lead to a different climax community?
Yes, sometimes the end community differs from the original pre-disturbance community.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 06, 2023
What's the starting point for primary succession?
It begins on completely bare, lifeless substrate.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 06, 2023
What role do humans play in primary succession?
Directly, very little. But indirectly, activities like causing glacier retreats can lead to primary succession areas.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 06, 2023
Can secondary succession start immediately after a disturbance?
Often, yes. Due to existing soil and remnants, recovery can commence quickly.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 06, 2023
Do primary and secondary successions lead to the same climax communities?
Not always. While both aim for stability, the end communities can vary.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 06, 2023
Are animals involved in primary succession?
Yes, but usually in later stages after some vegetation is established.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 06, 2023
What typically triggers secondary succession?
Events like fires, logging, or hurricanes can lead to secondary succession.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 06, 2023
Are humans responsible for secondary succession events?
Often, yes. Activities like logging or agriculture can trigger secondary succession.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 06, 2023
What's a pioneer species in primary succession?
Organisms like lichens or mosses that first colonize lifeless areas.
Janet White
Oct 06, 2023
Are disturbances always natural in secondary succession?
No, they can be either natural (like fires) or human-induced (like farming).
Harlon Moss
Oct 06, 2023
Why do mosses and lichens dominate the early stages of primary succession?
They're hardy and can survive the harsh conditions of lifeless substrates.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 06, 2023
Is it possible for secondary succession to revert an area to its original state?
Yes, over time, it can restore the disrupted ecosystem.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 06, 2023
Which succession has faster soil development?
Secondary succession, since it starts with existing or degraded soil.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 06, 2023
Is soil present during the start of primary succession?
No, primary succession starts without any soil.
Janet White
Oct 06, 2023
Which succession type involves starting with some soil?
Secondary succession.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 06, 2023
Can an abandoned farm field undergo secondary succession?
Absolutely. Over time, nature will reclaim it, leading to secondary succession.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 06, 2023
Which type of succession takes longer?
Primary succession usually takes longer.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 06, 2023
How is primary succession important for ecosystem development?
It initiates the ecological processes in lifeless areas, paving the way for complex ecosystems.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 06, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
