Estratificação

Estratificação refers to the process of organizing or dividing something into layers or strata. This concept is widely used across various disciplines, each with its own specific application. In sociology, stratification describes the hierarchical arrangement of individuals or groups in society based on factors such as wealth, income, social status, occupation, or power. This social stratification can lead to unequal distribution of resources and opportunities.

In geology, stratification describes the formation of layered rocks, known as strata, which are deposited over time. These layers provide a record of Earth's history, allowing scientists to study past environments and events. The study of these rock layers is called stratigraphy.

In biology, stratification can refer to the arrangement of organisms in distinct layers within an ecosystem, such as the different layers of vegetation in a forest (e.g., canopy, understory, forest floor) or the layering of plankton in the ocean. This ecological stratification affects the distribution and interaction of species.

The term is also used in data analysis and statistics, where it refers to a sampling technique where a population is divided into subgroups, or strata, before sampling. This ensures that each subgroup is adequately represented in the sample, leading to more precise estimates. Regardless of the field, the core idea of stratification involves creating distinct, often hierarchical, divisions.