Which type of ecological succession occurs in areas where life has previously existed?

The type of ecological succession that occurs in areas where life has previously existed is secondary succession. This process takes place after a disturbance—such as a fire, flood, or human activity—that disrupts an existing ecosystem but does not completely destroy it.

In secondary succession, the soil and some organisms (like seeds and roots) are already present, which allows for a quicker recovery compared to primary succession, where the area starts from bare rock or sediment with no soil. In secondary succession, the ecosystem can regenerate more efficiently as the remaining organisms can contribute to the re-establishment of the habitat. This form of succession often leads to a return to a stable ecosystem, resembling the original one over time.

Primary succession, on the other hand, starts from an area devoid of life and soil, meaning it takes much longer to establish a community. Climax succession refers to a mature and stable stage of ecological succession, while disclimax succession refers to a community that is maintained at a less mature state by ongoing disturbances. Thus, secondary succession specifically addresses the recovery of areas where life has existed previously, effectively utilizing the existing biological groundwork.