Read the passage below: A volcano erupted along a mountain side. After the eruption, the ground was basically just rock. Lichens and mosses began to grow on the rock and began to
break down the rock to form soil. Small grasses begin to take root and start to grow also.
Smaller shrubs come next. Squirrels and rats moved in to dig holes in the soil which allowed
plants to grow. After several years, trees take root and grow where there once was only rock.
Why is this an example of Ecological Succession AND what type of succession is this (primary
or secondary)? Provide evidence to support your answer.

1: most common garden plants prefer loam — soils with a balance of different-sized mineral particles (approximately 40% sand, 40% silt, and 20% clay) with ample organic matter and pore space. however, some plants grow better in sandy soils, while others are well-adapted to clay soils.

2: available water capacity is the maximum amount of plant available water a soil can provide. it is an indicator of a soil's ability to retain water and make it sufficiently available for plant use. available water capacity is the water held in soil between its field capacity and permanent wilting point.

3: it is the same for all living things (plants and animals). it also includes very tiny organisms that our eyes cannot see. they are known as microorganisms, and include viruses, bacteria and fungi.