Vertical distribution of different species occupying different levels in a biotic community is known as

Options

A. Stratification
B. Zonation
C. Pyramid
D. Divergence

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks about the term that describes the vertical distribution of different species in a biotic community. This means we need to identify a term that relates to how various species are arranged at different heights or layers within an ecosystem.

2. **Analyzing the Options**:
- **Stratification**: This term refers to the layering of different species in an ecosystem, particularly in a forest where trees, shrubs, herbs, and grasses occupy different vertical strata.
- **Zonation**: This term describes the arrangement of different species across a landscape, often based on environmental gradients, but it does not specifically refer to vertical distribution.
- **Pyramid**: This term typically refers to ecological pyramids that illustrate biomass or productivity at different trophic levels, not specifically about vertical distribution of species.
- **Divergence**: This term relates to evolutionary processes where species evolve into different forms, which is not relevant to the vertical distribution of species.

3. **Identifying the Correct Answer**: Given the definitions and explanations of the terms, "stratification" is the correct term that describes the vertical distribution of different species occupying different levels in a biotic community.

4. **Final Answer**: The vertical distribution of different species occupying different levels in a biotic community is known as **stratification**.

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