The level of Organization

The Levels of Organization

1. Cellular Level
Atoms
Tissues Population
molecules
organs species

organelles
organ systems

cells

2. Organismal Level

3.Population Level
biological community

4. Ecosystem Level
Biological community + physical habitat (soil, water,
atmosphere)

5. The Biosphere
The entire planet thought of as an ecosystem 2
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Atomic and Subatomic Level

subatomic particles-electrons, protons and neutrons. Out of 92 in nature -16 are called bioelements six (O, C, H, N, Ca, & P) = 99% ten (K, S, Cl, Na, Mg, Fe, Cu,Mn,Zn,&) =1%

Atomic and Subatomic Level

Molecular Level
Biomolecules are classified into two groups: Micromolecules =low molecular weight (glucose, water) Macromolecules = high molecular weights ( starch, proteins, lipids)

Organelle and Cell Level

Biomolecules assemble in a particular way and form organelles. The organelles=sub-cellular structures =assemble together=units of life i.e. cells are formed. Each type of organelle is specialized to perform a specific function.

Fig. 1.1-1

Tissue Levels
Similar cells (performing similar functions) are organized into groups, called tissues. OR Tissue as a group of similar cells specialized for the performance of a common function. 1. Plant Tissue=Epidermal tissue, Ground tissue. 2. Animal Tissue=Nervous tissue, muscular tissue 8

Organ and Organ System Levels

one type of tissue having related functions are organized together and make a unit, called organ e.g. Stomach. Different organs performing related functions are organized together in the form of an organ system e.g. digestive system

Individual Levels
Different organs and organ systems are organized together to form an individual or organism. In organism, the functions, processes and activities of various organs and organ systems are coordinated e.g. exercise.

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Fig. 1.1-2

Population Levels
A group of organisms of the same species located at the same place, in the same time eg human population in Pakistan in 2010 comprises of 173.5 million

Species Levels
A species is defined as a group of organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring.
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Community Levels
Habitat means the area of the environment in which an organism lives. A community is an assemblage of different populations, interacting with one another the same environment e.g. forest Communities are collections of organisms, in which one population may increase and others may decrease.
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Ecosystem Levels
The interrelationship between organisms and their environment-the sum of physical (abiotic) and biological (biotic) conditions is called Ecosystem.

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Biosphere Levels
The biosphere makes a thin layer surrounding the planet Earth. If you consider the Earth as of the size of an apple, then the biosphere will be as thick as the apples skin. Biosphere ranges from the floor of oceans to the tops of the highest mountains. It is about 20 15 kilometres thick.

Fig. 1.1-3

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Levels of Organization
Each level of organization builds on the
level below it but often demonstrates new features

Emergent properties: new properties

present at one level that are not seen in the previous level

New properties emerging may be greater

than the sum of the the parts
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Levels of Organization

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