Answer:

Secondary succession is the process of ecological succession that occurs after a disturbance has affected an existing ecosystem. It is the process by which an ecosystem recovers and regenerates after a disturbance, such as a fire, flood, or deforestation. Among the given options, option B is the correct answer, as secondary succession occurs on a deforested site.

Explanation:

What is secondary succession?
Secondary succession is a type of ecological succession that occurs in an area that was previously inhabited by living organisms but has been disturbed or disrupted by a natural or human-induced event. Unlike primary succession, which starts on bare rock or barren land, secondary succession occurs on land that already has soil present.

Occurrence on a deforested site:
Option B states that secondary succession occurs on a deforested site. This is correct because deforestation is a disturbance that removes the existing vegetation and disrupts the ecosystem. When a forest is cleared for agriculture, logging, or other purposes, the land is left bare and exposed. Over time, the area will undergo secondary succession as new plant species colonize the site and the ecosystem gradually recovers.

Following primary succession:
Option C states that secondary succession follows primary succession. This statement is incorrect because secondary succession does not follow primary succession. Primary succession occurs in areas where no soil or organic matter is present, such as newly formed volcanic rock or a receding glacier. Secondary succession, on the other hand, occurs in areas where soil and organic matter are already present, allowing for a faster regeneration of the ecosystem.

Relatively fast pace:
Option D states that secondary succession is similar to primary succession except that it has a relatively fast pace. This statement is incorrect because secondary succession is generally faster than primary succession. Since soil and organic matter are already present in the area, the process of vegetation establishment and ecosystem recovery can occur more rapidly compared to the initial colonization of barren land in primary succession.

In conclusion, option B is the correct answer as secondary succession occurs on a deforested site. It is important to note that secondary succession occurs after a disturbance, does not follow primary succession, and generally has a faster pace of recovery compared to primary succession.