ch. 1 Hierarchical organization of living systems

Question 1

The cellular level

Answer 1

atoms (elements of matter) are joined into clumps called molecules. Molecules are assembled into tiny structures called organelles within membrane bounded units called cells (basic unit of life). independent organisms are composed only of single cells (like bacteria). All animals and plants (and fungi and algae) are multicellular (more than one cell).

Question 2

The organismal level

Answer 2

Cells in complex multicellular organisms have 3 levels of organization. Tissues (groups of similar cells that act as a functional unit), organs (body structures made of seven tissues that act as a structural and functional unit– brain is an organ made of nerve cells and associated tissues that form coverings and contribute blood), and lastly organ systems. The nervous system consists of sensory organs, the brain and spinal cord, and neurons that convey signals.

Question 3

The population level

Answer 3

7 hierarchical levels within the living world.
population- a group of organisms of the same species living in the same space.
populations of a particular kind of organism form a species– is members similar in appearance and able to interbreed.
Biological community consists of all the populations of different species living together.

Question 4

The ecosystem level

Answer 4

highest tier of biological organization, populations of organisms interact w/ each other + their physical environment.
Populations and their environment create a ecological system/ecosystem.

Question 5

The biosphere

Answer 5

The entire planet can be thought of as an ecosystem that we call the biosphere.

Question 6

many interactions occurring at lower levels can produce novel properties

Answer 6

emergent properties–may not be predictable