Which type of soil succession occurs in lifeless areas?

Primary succession occurs in lifeless areas where there is no soil or organic matter present. This process can take place on surfaces such as bare rock, lava flows, or after a glacial retreat. In these environments, the initial colonizers are typically pioneer species, like lichens and mosses, which are capable of surviving in such harsh conditions. These organisms help to break down the rock and contribute to the formation of soil over time.

As primary succession progresses, these initial species create the conditions necessary for more complex plant communities to establish. This progression eventually leads to a mature ecosystem. In contrast, the other types of succession, such as secondary succession, involve areas that have previously supported life and have some remaining organic material or soil after a disturbance, like fire or flood. Therefore, primary succession is specifically identified by its occurrence in areas that start completely devoid of life and soil.