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