Secondary succession is faster than primary succession because the soil and some remnants of previous life forms are already present, allowing for quicker recolonization and growth of new species. 

Primary Succession begins in an area where there is no soil or life, such as a newly formed volcanic island or a glacier retreat area. Pioneer species like lichens and mosses must first colonize the area, break down rock, and create soil, a process that can take hundreds or even thousands of years. 

Secondary Succession occurs in areas where soil already exists and life previously existed, but has been disrupted by events like fire, storms, or abandonment. Since soil and some remnants of previous ecosystems are already present, the process of recolonization and ecosystem development is much faster, often taking only a few years to decades.