Select the incorrect statement from the following.

Options

A. Vertical distribution of different species occupying different levels is called stratification .
B. Secondary productivity is defined as the rate of formation of new organic matter by consumers.
C. Leaching is the breakdown detritus into smaller particles.
D. Secondary productivity = GPR - R.

Answer

To solve the question of selecting the incorrect statement from the given options, we will analyze each statement one by one.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Analyze Statement 1**:
- **Statement**: "Vertical distribution of different species occupying different levels is called stratification."
- **Evaluation**: This statement is correct. Stratification refers to the layering of different species in an ecosystem, such as trees at the top layer, shrubs in the middle, and grasses at the bottom.

2. **Analyze Statement 2**:
- **Statement**: "Secondary productivity is defined as the rate of formation of new organic matter by consumers."
- **Evaluation**: This statement is also correct. Secondary productivity refers to the generation of biomass by heterotrophic organisms (consumers) through the consumption of organic matter.

3. **Analyze Statement 3**:
- **Statement**: "Leaching is the breakdown of detritus into smaller particles."
- **Evaluation**: This statement is incorrect. Leaching refers to the process where water-soluble nutrients are washed out from the soil, not the breakdown of detritus. The breakdown of detritus is part of decomposition, not leaching.

4. **Analyze Statement 4**:
- **Statement**: "Gross primary productivity minus respiration is net primary productivity, not secondary productivity."
- **Evaluation**: This statement is correct. The formula given is accurate; net primary productivity is calculated by subtracting respiration from gross primary productivity.

### Conclusion:
The incorrect statement among the options is **Statement 3**: "Leaching is the breakdown of detritus into smaller particles."