In primary succession there has been no previous growth and is usually lacking fertile soil. Primary succession includes the first organism to begin growing in the environment such as fungus or lichen. This takes 1000 years or more to be complete.
The picture above is of lava flow. This is the very beginning of primary succession because there is no soil or nutrients for plants to grow on. The first organisms, or pioneer species, to colonize during primary succession are lichens, grasses, and fungi. Following this are the perennial plants such as small ferns, flowers, and foliage. After this is the introductory trees which consist of alder, birch, and aspen begin to grow. Finally the last secondary trees begin to grow and these are pine, spruce, and balsam fir.
These are lichens and are part of the pioneer species in the Taiga.
This is a wild rose and is part of the perennial plants in the Taiga.
This is an alder tree and is part of the introductory trees in the Taiga.
These are pine trees and are part of the last secondary trees in the Taiga.
Secondary Succession
In secondary succession the soil and nutrients are already available and the growth is more rapid. Secondary succession includes small plants and animals. This takes 50-200 years to be complete.
The picture above is deforestation. This is the very beginning of secondary succession because is still has soil and nutrients. The seeds are left behind and will eventually grow. This is a current thing happening in the Taiga. Other things that can start secondary succession in the Taiga are forest fires, huge storms, or other natural disasters.
Forest fire in the Taiga. This destroys the vegetation, but leaves the soil, nutrients, and some seeds behind.