Stratification (vegetation)

In ecology, stratification means the layers in a habitat. This is where plants and animals live at different heights.

The layers of vegetation depend on how tall the plants are. Tall trees are at the top, and short plants and grasses are near the ground. Each layer has its own plants and animals, making different groups called stratozones.

Stratification helps scientists learn about nature. By studying these layers, they see how energy and nutrients travel. This helps protect forests, grasslands, and other natural places.

Vertical structure in terrestrial plant habitats

Plants on land grow in layers. This helps them share space and resources. The main layers are the forest floor, herb layer, shrub layer, understory, and canopy.

Each layer has plants of different heights. They depend on each other. For example, the canopy of tall trees lets light reach the layers below. It also protects them from heavy rain.

The forest floor is covered with moss and roots. The herb layer has small plants and flowers. The shrub layer has bushes and small trees. The understory has taller trees below the main canopy. The canopy is made of the tallest trees. It creates a roof that affects all the layers below.