What is primary succession?

Primary succession refers to the process of ecological change that occurs in an area where no soil exists initially. This often happens after significant disturbances such as volcanic eruptions, landslides, or glacial retreats that expose bare rock or sediment. In these environments, life must start from scratch, beginning with pioneer species like lichens and mosses that can colonize these bare surfaces. Over time, these organisms facilitate the development of soil by breaking down the rock and accumulating organic material from decomposing matter.

The other concepts, such as destruction of soil, rapid succession following a disturbance, and succession in already established communities, pertain more to secondary succession or other ecological disturbances rather than the initial conditions described in primary succession. Therefore, understanding that primary succession specifically involves the development of ecosystems on bare rock or surfaces lacking soil is crucial for grasping the broader concepts of ecological succession.