What is secondary succession characterized by?

Secondary succession is characterized by the process of re-colonization after a disturbance that has cleared an area but left the soil and some organisms intact. This type of succession typically occurs in environments where a pre-existing ecosystem has been disrupted by events such as fires, floods, hurricanes, or human activities like agriculture.

During secondary succession, the soil already contains seeds, nutrients, and microorganisms, allowing for a relatively faster recovery compared to primary succession, which occurs in lifeless areas where soil must be created anew. The presence of these components means that various species can rapidly reestablish themselves, leading to a quicker return to a stable ecosystem.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately describe secondary succession. For example, the establishment of new life in uninhabited areas pertains to primary succession. The development of vegetation without prior life also aligns with primary succession, where life begins from barren rock or substrates. While competition for resources can occur during all forms of succession, it is not a defining characteristic of secondary succession itself.