Which type of succession happens after an existing community has been wiped out but soil remains?

The correct answer is secondary succession. This process occurs in areas where a disturbance has cleared away a community but left the soil intact. Such disturbances can include events like wildfires, floods, or human activities such as farming or deforestation. The presence of soil allows for the rapid recolonization of plant species, as the nutrients and microorganisms within the soil can support new growth.

In contrast, primary succession takes place in lifeless areas where soil has not yet formed, such as after a volcanic eruption or on bare rock. Climatic succession refers to changes in vegetation structure due to shifts in climate over long periods, while chronic succession is not a widely recognized term in ecological studies. In essence, secondary succession is characterized by a quicker return to a stable ecosystem due to the existing soil and its resources, which help facilitate the regrowth of flora and fauna.