Question

which statement best describes the difference between primary and secondary succession? in primary succession, the pioneer community is a new or barren habitat, whereas in secondary succession, the pioneer community is an already existing habitat that has been disturbed. in primary succession, the pioneer community contains nutrient - poor soil, whereas in secondary succession, the pioneer community contains nutrient - rich soil. in primary succession, the pioneer community changes relatively quickly, whereas in secondary succession, the pioneer community changes relatively slowly.

Explanation:

Primary succession occurs in a new or barren habitat (e.g., newly formed volcanic islands). There is no soil initially. Secondary succession happens in an already - existing habitat that has been disturbed (e.g., after a forest fire). There is already soil present. The key difference is the starting point of the habitat. Nutrient - rich/poor soil is not the main differentiator as primary succession starts with no soil. Also, primary succession usually changes more slowly as it has to build soil from scratch, while secondary succession can progress relatively faster as soil and some organisms may remain.

Answer:

In primary succession, the pioneer community is a new or barren habitat, whereas in secondary succession, the pioneer community is an already existing habitat that has been disturbed.