What are the two main types of ecological succession?

The two main types of ecological succession are primary and secondary succession. Primary succession occurs in lifeless areas where there is no soil or organic material, such as after a volcanic eruption or a glacier retreat. This type of succession starts with the colonization of pioneer species, like lichens and mosses, which help to create soil over time, allowing other species to establish.

Secondary succession, on the other hand, takes place in areas where an ecosystem has been disturbed but where soil and some remnants of life still exist, such as after a forest fire, flood, or human activities like farming. In this case, the recovery process can occur more rapidly because the groundwork for new growth, in the form of existing soil and nutrients, is already present.

Understanding these two types of succession is crucial in ecology as they describe how communities rebuild and change over time in different scenarios, informing conservation efforts and restoration ecology practices.