Chapter 1, Problem 1IQ

Summary Introduction

To provide: Description for the given levels of biological organization.

Introduction: The arrangement of biotic factors into a biologically-organized system helps to better understand the composition of life. It depicts the levels of organization from the smallest to the largest levels. Biological organization is based on the structural and functional hierarchy of living organisms. The levels of hierarchy range from complex systems to simple components, through a reductionist approach. The hierarchy of life ranges from biosphere to molecules.

Explanation of Solution

1. Biosphere:

   Various ecosystems present on the Earth collectively form a biosphere.

2. Ecosystems:

   All the communities of living organisms (the biotic factors) and the abiotic factors such as soil, air, water, and climate conditions present in a specific area form an ecosystem.

3. Communities:

   In a given area or an ecosystem, the populations of different flora and fauna species interact together and form a community.

4. Populations:

   A group of individuals belonging to the same species and living in a specific area are together referred to as a population.

5. Organisms:

   Several organs each with different functions together form an individual organism.

6. Organs and organ systems:

   One or more type of tissues, each having a specific function, combine and form an organ. Several organs together form an organ system.

7. Tissues:

   In a multicellular organism, a group of cells form a tissue.

8. Cells:

   Different types of cell organelles together form a cell, the basic unit of life.

9. Organelles:

   Various types of biological molecules are assembled to form a cell organelle, each having a specific function.

10. Molecules:

    Two or more atoms combine together by chemical bonds to form a molecule.