What characterizes secondary succession?

Secondary succession is characterized by its occurrence in environments that have been disturbed but where soil and some organisms still remain. This process typically takes place in locations such as abandoned fields, forests after a fire, or areas that have undergone clear-cutting, allowing vegetation to regrow over time. Unlike primary succession, which starts from barren land without soil, secondary succession begins in areas where the ecosystem has been partially destroyed but still contains a substrate that can support plant life.

The presence of soil and certain biological remnants allows for a quicker recovery compared to primary succession, as seeds, roots, and other organisms can contribute to the regrowth process. This makes secondary succession a critical concept in understanding ecosystem recovery following disturbances.