Primary Succession Gradual growth of organisms in an area that was previously bare, such as rock. (For example lichens, mosses, and ferns will first appear on bare rock). The Following Steps: Secondary Succesion It is the series of community changes which take place on a previously colonized, but disturbed or damaged habitat, (examples include areas which have been cleared of existing vegetaion such as a tree-felling in a woodland). Primary succession occurs following an opening of a pristine habitat, for example, a lava flow, an area left from retreated glacier, or abandoned strip mine.
In contrast, secondary succession is a response to a disturbance, for example, forest fire, tsunami, flood, or an abandoned field. Compare && Contrast Primary Succession starts at bare rock. Secondary Succession starts with soil and dirt already there. Secondary Succession takes 100 +(plus) years to develop. Primary Succession takes thousands of years to develop.