Secondary succession refers to which of the following?

Secondary succession occurs in environments that have experienced a disturbance but still retain an existing soil structure. This process is significant because it allows for faster recovery than primary succession, as the soil already contains seeds, nutrients, and organisms necessary for regeneration.

When a disturbance such as fire, flood, or human activity takes place, the primary plant life may be removed or diminished, but the soil remains intact, facilitating the growth of new plant species. Establishing a new community of plants and animals can occur more quickly due to the available resources.

In contrast, secondary succession is distinct from primary succession, which begins on bare rock or a surface devoid of soil after events like a volcanic eruption or glacier retreat. It also does not specifically pertain to aquatic environments or the long-term changes in already established forests in the manner suggested by the other options. Thus, the retention of soil in secondary succession is what sets it apart and allows for a quicker recovery process.