Vertical distribution of different species occupying different levels is called:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Stratification
Stratification is the vertical distribution of different species occupying different levels. In a forest, trees form the top layer, shrubs the second layer, and herbs and grasses the bottom layer. Stratification and species composition are the two main structural features of an ecosystem.
(1) Trophic level — Incorrect. A trophic level is the place of an organism in a food chain based on how it gets food: producer, primary consumer, secondary consumer and so on.
(2) Stratification — Correct. It is the arrangement of species in vertical layers.
(3) Productivity — Incorrect. Productivity is the rate at which biomass (organic matter) is produced per unit area over a time period.
(4) Energy flow — Incorrect. Energy flow is the movement of energy from the sun to producers and then to consumers. It always moves in one direction.
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NCERT Extract:
Ecosystem – Structure and Function – …
