EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -Primary succession only occurs on a surface where no ecosystem existed before. There is no soil and it needs to form. This process takes time, as pioneer species must colonize the area, they must die, and as this happens over and over again, soil forms.

Detailed explanation-2: -Primary succession occurs in an area that has not been previously occupied by a community. Places where primary succession occurs include newly exposed rock areas, sand dunes, and lava flows. Simple species that can tolerate the often-harsh environment become established first.

Detailed explanation-3: -Primary succession begins when no plant life is present on the landscape, such as after a lava flow or glacial retreat. Over centuries, soil forms and deepens and successive communities of plants grow.

Detailed explanation-4: -What is secondary succession? Secondary succession occurs in areas where a biological community has already existed but some or all of that community has been removed by small-scale disturbances that did not eliminate all life and nutrients from the environment.

Detailed explanation-5: -Primary succession occurs when new land is formed or bare rock is exposed, providing a habitat that can be colonized for the first time. For example, primary succession may take place following the eruption of volcanoes, such as those on the Big Island of Hawaii.