Question

what is secondary succession?
succession that occurs in an area where soil and life have not yet formed
both of these
neither of these
succession that occurs when a severe disturbance clears the existing community but leaves the soil intact

Explanation:

To determine the correct answer, we analyze the definition of secondary succession. Primary succession occurs in areas where soil and life have not yet formed (like after a volcanic eruption creating new rock). Secondary succession happens after a disturbance (e.g., fire, flood) that removes the community but leaves the soil intact.

• The first option describes primary succession, not secondary.
• "Both of these" is incorrect because the first option is primary succession.
• "Neither of these" is incorrect because the last option correctly defines secondary succession.
• The last option ("Succession that occurs when a severe disturbance clears the existing community but leaves the soil intact") matches the definition of secondary succession.

Answer:

D. Succession that occurs when a severe disturbance clears the existing community but leaves the soil intact (assuming the options are labeled A, B, C, D with the last option as D; adjust the label if the original numbering is different, but the text of the correct option is as stated).