Final answer:
A stratified society is one in which status differences are inherited and divided sharply between distinct noble and commoner classes (option D). It indicates a closed system of stratification based on ascribed status, often reflecting social inequalities tied to wealth, income, and family background.
Step-by-step explanation:
A stratified society is one in which status differences are structured in a hierarchy. The correct answer to the question 'A stratified society is one in which status differences are' is option D: inherited and divided sharply between distinct noble and commoner classes. In such societies, social standing is commonly based on ascribed status or birth, and these societies tend to have a closed system of stratification where there is little change in social position. Much of the stratification is based on economic factors like wealth and income, but it is also profoundly influenced by societal factors such as family background, race, and education.
Social stratification is reflected in various types of societal systems. One of them is the caste system, which is based on ascribed status, and the other one is the class system, which is more open and based on achievement allowing for upward social mobility. Social inequality is a common feature of these systems, impacting people's access to resources and opportunities based on their ranked position within the society.