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Definition
Secondary succession describes the process that an area once inhabited by plant life undergoes after the region is severely damaged or otherwise altered. Secondary succession differs from primary succession because it applies to areas that have previously supported plant growth, rather than those that have never done so (recent landslides, regions altered by a volcanic eruption, etc.).
Regrowth
Regeneration of plant life in an area undergoing secondary succession is occurs relatively quickly for several reasons. First, the soil has been altered from its natural state by previous plant growth to make it a more suitable growing medium. Second, seeds from pre-existing plants are already present in the soil and will quickly generate. Finally, any leftover stumps and root systems in the soil are likely to regenerate and produce established plants more easily than those started from seed.
Process
As the process of secondary succession begins, the land is first dominated by low plants, such as grass and heather. As taller undergrowth starts to take over, young trees, shrubs and other plants native to the area begin to develop. The long-term fate of the area depends on the type of plants that develop and how well they grow together.