Ans. Succession is the process of gradual and predictable changes in the composition and structure of an ecosystem over time. It occurs in two main forms: primary succession and secondary succession.
Primary succession happens in areas where no soil or organisms exist, such as after a volcanic eruption or the formation of a new island. The process starts with pioneer species, such as lichens and mosses, colonizing the bare rock surfaces. Over time, these pioneer species help in the formation of soil, enabling the growth of larger plants and eventually leading to the establishment of a stable climax community.
Secondary succession occurs in areas where the existing community has been disturbed or destroyed, but the soil remains intact. Examples include forest regrowth after a wildfire or the recovery of an abandoned agricultural field. The process involves the gradual replacement of the previous community by new species, leading to the reestablishment of a diverse and stable ecosystem.