Step 1: Understanding the Concept
An ecosystem works as a unit through four functional processes: productivity, decomposition, energy flow and nutrient cycling.
Step 2: Check the options
Productivity, decomposition and energy flow are all functional components.
Stratification is the vertical layering of species, which is a structural feature of the ecosystem.
Step 3: Conclusion
Stratification is the exception.
Final Answer:
Stratification is not one of the functional components.
\[ \boxed{\text{(C) }\text{stratification}} \]