What term describes the colonization of previously uninhabited ground like a volcanic area?

Primary succession refers to the process of ecological development that occurs on surfaces where no soil exists and where life has not previously been present, such as a volcanic area after an eruption. This process begins with the colonization of pioneer species, such as lichens and mosses, that can tolerate harsh conditions and begin the soil formation process. Over time, as these organisms die and decompose, they contribute organic material to the developing soil, allowing for more complex plants and animals to establish themselves in the area.

In contrast, secondary succession occurs in areas where a disturbance has happened but soil remains intact, such as after a forest fire or agricultural abandonment. Exogenous and endogenous rhythms pertain more to biological and physiological cycles, rather than ecological succession events. Therefore, primary succession is the appropriate term to describe the colonization of previously uninhabited ground like a volcanic area.