Resource Partitioning in plants: A forest ecosystem '

• In a forest ecosystem the plants form different vertical layers or strata, this formation of layers is known as stratification
• Light is a limited resource in a forest
• The different plant layers (strata) are adapted to survive at different intensities of light, and therefore the resource is divided between the different layers of plants.
• 1. Tall Trees that form the top leaf canopy and get most sunlight
• 2. Short trees that form the understorey and are exposed to less light
• 3. Shrub layer that is adapted to survive in an environmental with low light intensity
• 4. Shade plants and herbaceous layer that occur closest to the forest floor and consist mainly of mosses, ferns and herbs which are shade plants