Ecology
Secondary Succession
Ecological succession that occurs after a disturbance that removes existing vegetation but leaves soil intact—after fire, logging, or abandoned agriculture. Faster than primary succession because soil and seed banks remain.
Biological Context
Secondary succession benefits from the biological legacy of previous communities: soil nutrients, seed banks, root systems, and nearby seed sources. An abandoned farm field returns to forest much faster than bare rock develops soil. Most observed succession is secondary succession.
Business Application
Secondary succession in business: entering markets after disruption removes incumbents but leaves infrastructure—customers, suppliers, distribution channels. Faster than building new markets; the ecosystem already exists.