Levels of Organization

1. Subatomic Particle – particles

smaller than an atom

2. Atoms - smallest component of

an element having the chemical

properties of the element

3. Molecules - the simplest

structural unit of an element or

compound (Ex. H2O)

4. Organelles - a specialized

subunit w/in a cell that has a

specific function, & is enclosed

w/in its own lipid bilayer. (Ex.

Nucleus)

5. Cells – smallest structural,

functional, & biological unit of all

organisms.

6. Tissues - group of cells having

a similar structure & function

(Ex. Cardiac muscle cells)

7. Organs - groups of tissues that

have the same structure & function

(Ex. Heart)

8. Organ Systems - Groups of

organs that have the same structure

& function (Ex. Digestive System)

9. Multicelled Organism - a living

thing made up of organ systems

10. Population - a group of similar

organisms (Ex. Prairie dogs)

11. Community - group of animal

species that live together (Ex.

Zebras & Wildebeests)

12. Ecosystem - a system formed

by the interaction of a community

of organisms w/ their physical

environment

13. Biomes - a major biotic

community characterized by the

dominant forms of plant life &

climate (Ex. Rainforest)

14. Biosphere - regions of the surface

& atmosphere of the Earth where

living organisms exist

Questions

1. Where on the notes do the properties of life

emerge?

2. Do all living organisms have organs?

3. At which level do we begin to consider abiotic

(non-living) factors?

4. A kidney is an example of what?