In which type of ecosystem is stratification shown best?

The tropical rain forest is known for its remarkable stratification, which refers to the distinct layers of vegetation that create a rich habitat structure. In a tropical rain forest, there are several layers: the emergent layer, where the tallest trees reach up to the sunlight; the canopy layer, which contains the majority of the forest's biodiversity and is rich in foliage and animal life; the understory, which has smaller trees and shrubs adapted to lower light levels; and the forest floor, where decomposition occurs, and seedlings and smaller plants thrive in the dappled light that filters through the upper layers.

This structural complexity allows for numerous ecological niches, contributing to the high biodiversity characteristic of tropical rain forests. Various species are adapted to live in different strata, making this ecosystem one of the most biologically rich on the planet. Other ecosystems, while they may show some degree of layering or stratification, do not exhibit the same level of complexity or diversity as found in tropical rain forests. For example, temperate forests and taiga do have distinct layers, but they are not as heavily stratified or diverse. The chaparral, while having its own unique ecosystems, typically does not show the same vertical complexity as seen in tropical rain forests.