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Definition

noun

An ecological succession that occurs following an opening of uninhabited, barren habitat or that occurs on an environment that is devoid of vegetation and usually lacking topsoil.

Supplement

An example of primary succession is the initial development of plant or animal communities in an area where no soil initially exists (such as caused by a lava flow following volcanic eruption or severe landslide that covered the land). The primary succession is important in pioneering the area to create conditions favorable for the growth of other forms of plants and animals.

Compare: secondary succession

See also: ecological succession