Primary succession occurs in an area where there is no existing soil or vegetation, such as on bare rock or after a volcanic eruption, while secondary succession occurs in an area where soil and vegetation were already present but have been disturbed or destroyed, such as after a forest fire or logging. Primary succession takes longer to establish a stable ecosystem because it starts with bare rock or a barren landscape, while secondary succession can progress more quickly as there is already some soil and seeds present. Primary succession typically involves pioneer species like lichens and mosses, while secondary succession often starts with fast-growing grasses and shrubs.
