Biological Hierarchy
Organization
• Biological organization is based on a hierarchy of structural levels
• Each level of biological organization has distinct properties
Atomthe
smallest part of an element
(92 natural)
Molecule
A chemical structure made of bonded atoms
Organelle
A structural component of a
cell
CellLife’s
fundamental unit of structure
and function
Tissue
A group of similar cells with similar
function
Organ
Specialized body parts made of
tissues
Organ System
Multiple organs working together to carry out life
functions
Organism
An individual
living thing
Population
All individuals of a species in
a particular area
Community
All organisms in an
ecosystem
Ecosystem
All living and non-living things in a particular area
Biosphere
All environments
on Earth