3. Primary Succession - Pioneer species colonise the rocks as they can grow even without soil.

- For example, lichens grow on and break down rocks, releasing minerals. - When the lichens die and decomposed, soil is formed, and other species with short roots can grow, eg mosses. - Larger plants that need more water can move in as the soil deepens. Eg. Grass. - As the plants die and decompose to form organic matters, the soil thickens. - Shrubs, ferns and small trees begin to grow. - These begin to compete with grasses and smaller plants to become dominant species. - Finally, the soil is deep and rich enough in nutrients to support large trees. - These become dominant species and climax community is formed. - Climax community is stable as it has high biodiversity and balanced equilibrium of species.

Secondary Succession - Same as primary succession, except that it begins with soil, and pioneer species are the bigger plants such as shrubs.