Which one of the following statements is correct for secondary succession?

Options

A. It beings on bare rock It occurs on a deforested site
B. It occurs on a deforested site
C. It follows primary succession
D. It is similar to primary succession except that it has a relatively fast pace

Answer

To determine which statement is correct regarding secondary succession, we need to analyze each option based on our understanding of ecological succession.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Ecological Succession**:
- Ecological succession is a gradual and predictable change in species composition in a given area over time. It can be classified into two types: primary succession and secondary succession.

2. **Defining Primary and Secondary Succession**:
- **Primary Succession**: This occurs in lifeless areas where no soil exists, such as bare rock. It involves the establishment of a biotic community from scratch, which takes a long time because soil needs to develop.
- **Secondary Succession**: This occurs in areas where a disturbance has destroyed an existing community but left the soil intact, such as after deforestation. It is generally faster than primary succession because the soil and some organisms are already present.

3. **Analyzing the Options**:
- **Option A**: "It begins on bare rock and it occurs on deforested sites."
- This statement is incorrect because secondary succession does not begin on bare rock; it occurs in areas where soil is present, such as deforested sites.

- **Option B**: "It occurs on deforested sites."
- This statement is correct. Secondary succession can indeed occur on deforested sites where the existing community has been disturbed but soil remains.

- **Option C**: "It follows primary succession."
- This statement is incorrect. Secondary succession does not follow primary succession; they are different processes that can occur independently.

- **Option D**: "It is similar to primary succession except that it has a fast pace."
- This statement is misleading. While secondary succession is faster than primary succession, it does not follow the same sequence of community development as primary succession.

4. **Conclusion**:
- The correct answer is **Option B**: "It occurs on deforested sites."