Question

which event would most likely lead to secondary succession?
○ a lava flow
○ the retreat of a glacier
○ a forest fire
○ the formation of a new island

Explanation:

To determine the event leading to secondary succession, we recall:

• Primary succession occurs on new, barren land (e.g., lava flow, glacier retreat, new island) with no soil or pre - existing life.
• Secondary succession occurs on land where soil and some life (or remnants) remain after a disturbance (e.g., forest fire, hurricane, logging).

• A lava flow: Creates new, sterile rock (primary succession).
• Retreat of a glacier: Exposes bare rock (primary succession).
• A forest fire: Burns vegetation but leaves soil and seeds/roots (secondary succession).
• Formation of a new island: New, barren land (primary succession).

Answer:

C. a forest fire