secondary succession

Secondary succession is the natural process by which ecosystems recover after a disturbance, such as a fire, flood, or human activity, that removes some but not all of the existing life. Unlike primary succession, which starts from bare land, secondary succession begins with soil already in place. Over time, the area gradually restores itself as plants, animals, and other organisms return, often following a predictable pattern of growth and change. This process can take years or decades, resulting in a mature, stable ecosystem similar to how it was before the disturbance.