Concept:
Distribution of organisms in ecosystems can be vertical or horizontal.
Step 1: Understand zonation.
• Zonation refers to horizontal distribution of organisms
• Seen along gradients like altitude, depth, or distance
Step 2: Differentiate from other terms.
• Stratification → Vertical distribution $\times$
• Niche → Functional role of organism $\times$
• Ecosystem → Functional unit of environment $\times$
Step 3: Conclusion.
\[
\text{Horizontal distribution = Zonation}
\]