Fill in the blanks with a suitable word .
i. The vertical distribution of different species occupying different levels is called ......a.......
ii. The breakdown of detritus into smaller particles is called .......b.......
iii. In each trophic level , a certain mass of living material at a particular time is called .......c.......

Options

A. `{:(a,b,c),("Stratification","Fragmentation","Standing crop"):}`
B. `{:(a,b,c),("Fragmentation","Stratification","Standing crop"):}`
C. `{:(a,b,c),("Standing crop ","Mineralization","Decomposition"):}`
D. `{:(a,b,c),("Standing crop ","Humification","Production"):}`

Answer

To solve the fill-in-the-blanks question, we will analyze each statement and determine the appropriate terms to complete them.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the first blank**:
- The statement is: "The vertical distribution of different species occupying different levels is called ......a......."
- The term that describes the vertical layering of species in an ecosystem, particularly in forests, is **stratification**. This refers to how different species occupy different heights or layers in a habitat.

**Answer for a**: **Stratification**

2. **Identify the second blank**:
- The statement is: "The breakdown of detritus into smaller particles is called .......b......."
- The process of breaking down dead organic matter (detritus) into smaller pieces is known as **fragmentation**. This is a crucial step in the overall process of decomposition.

**Answer for b**: **Fragmentation**

3. **Identify the third blank**:
- The statement is: "In each trophic level, a certain mass of living material at a particular time is called .......c......."
- The term that describes the total mass of living material (biomass) at a specific trophic level at a given time is called **standing crop**.

**Answer for c**: **Standing crop**

### Final Answers:
i. The vertical distribution of different species occupying different levels is called **Stratification**.
ii. The breakdown of detritus into smaller particles is called **Fragmentation**.
iii. In each trophic level, a certain mass of living material at a particular time is called **Standing crop**.

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