We all know that there is a constant change in the environment but what is this change called ? It is called ecological succession we will discussing about it ahead. Also we will see the two types of succession: primary and secondary. We will be discussing about the differences between these successions.
Difference between primary succession and secondary succession:
Primary succession | Secondary succession |
---|---|
1. Primary succession strats form a barren/deserted land which never had life existing on it | Secondary succession starts from where there had been existence of living organisms but was abandoned due to some natural calamity that took place |
2. Primary succession takes 1000 years or more to complete | Secondary succession takes 50-200 years to complete |
3. In primary succession there is absence of soil | In secondary succession there is presence of soil |
4. In primary succession there has been no life form from the beginning | In secondary succession life existed from the beginning |
5. Primary succession is developed by outsiders | Secondary succession is developed by the occupants who used to stay there or by migrants |
6. In primary succession the environment is unfavorable | In secondary succession the environment is favorable |
7. Eg, bare rock, newly formed ponds, newly cooled lava, etc | Eg, flood, tsunami, earthquake, etc |
What is primary succession ?
Primary succession starts from where there had never existed any living organism. For eg, formation of new ponds, bare rocks, newly cooled lava, etc. This is very slow process and takes about 1000 years to complete.
Primary succession |
The condition there is not favourable for living organisms to survive. There is also absence of soil which also means that there is absence of humus. Now you must be wondering, what is humus ? Humus is the organic component of soil which is formed by decomposition of leaves and other plant material by the help of microorganisms which are present in the soil.
What is secondary succession ?
Secondary succession is where there has been existence of living organisms in that place but was abandoned or deserted due to some natural calamity that took place. For eg, flood, tsunami, earthquakes, etc. This is a fast process and takes about 50-200 years to complete.
Secondary succession |
The condition is favourable for living organisms and there is presence of soil which means that there is presence of humus as well.