Which of the following best distinguishes primary succession from secondary succession in ecological communities?

• A. Secondary succession only occurs in aquatic environments, while primary succession occurs on land.
• B. Primary succession always occurs faster than secondary succession because there are no organisms present.
• C. Primary succession occurs on newly formed or exposed surfaces where no soil exists, while secondary succession occurs in areas where a disturbance has left the soil intact.
• D. Primary succession results in less biodiversity than secondary succession because it starts with more nutrients.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of ecological succession. Ecological succession is the process by which ecosystems change and develop over time. It can be categorized into two main types: primary succession and secondary succession.
2. Step 2: Define primary succession. Primary succession occurs in areas where there was no previous ecosystem, such as newly formed volcanic islands, glacial retreats, or areas exposed by landslides. These areas lack soil, and the process begins with pioneer species like lichens and mosses that can colonize bare rock.
3. Step 3: Define secondary succession. Secondary succession occurs in areas where an ecosystem previously existed but was disturbed, such as after a forest fire, hurricane, or human activity like farming. In these cases, the soil remains intact, allowing plants and other organisms to recolonize more quickly.
4. Step 4: Compare the two types of succession. The key distinction is that primary succession starts on surfaces without soil, while secondary succession begins in areas where soil is already present. This difference affects the speed and sequence of ecological recovery.
5. Step 5: Evaluate the provided options. Based on the definitions and distinctions, the correct answer is: 'Primary succession occurs on newly formed or exposed surfaces where no soil exists, while secondary succession occurs in areas where a disturbance has left the soil intact.' The other options are incorrect because they either misrepresent the environments or processes involved in succession.