Where the primary succession refers to the development of communities?
There are many species that interact with each other to form biological communities which include forest, desert, marine environment, etc. These biological communities are formed through a process known as ecological succession in which structure or organization of biological species changes over time to form a stable community.
The ecological succession takes place in two ways: primary succession and secondary succession. During primary succession plants and animals colonize the lifeless, barren areas with no sign of previous life such as rocks made from lava flow or rocks of retreated glaciers. These plant or animal species that arrive first and start growing are called pioneer species. Initially, they build a simple community, and as the new species arrive the complexity of community increases. The pioneer species are generally lichens and plants which erode the rock to make soil. Now grass and simple plants grow in such soil and modify the soil in way it supports the growth of other plant types.
Secondary succession is seen when there is a recovery of disturbed and destroyed biological communities. Meaning there is a development of a community on land or area which was previously occupied by the living community which was destroyed. An example of secondary succession is the development of community in a forest that was destroyed by fire.
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