The level of organization is the hierarchy of
complex biological structures and systems that define life. The traditional
hierarchy for these levels is detailed below, from the lowest level to the highest level.
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Image
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Level of Organization
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Explanation
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Example
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Atomic Level
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Atoms are defined as the smallest unit of an element that still maintains the property of that element.
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Ø Carbon,
Ø Hydrogen,
Ø Oxygen
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Molecular Level
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Atoms combine to form molecules which can have entirely different properties than the atoms they contain.
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Ø Water,
Ø DNA,
ØCarbohydrate
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Cellular Level
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Cells are the smallest unit of life. Cells are enclosed by a membrane or cell wall and in multicellular organisms often perform specific functions.
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Ø Muscle cell,
Ø Skin cell,
Ø Neuron
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Tissue Level
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Tissues are groups of cells with similar functions
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Ø Muscle,
Ø Epithelial,
Ø Connective
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Organic level
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Organs are two or more types of tissues that work together to complete a specific task.
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Ø Heart,
Ø Liver,
Ø Stomach
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Organ System level
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An organ system is group of organs that carries out more generalized set of functions.
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Ø Digestive System,
Ø Circulatory System
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Organismal level
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An organism has several organ systems that function together.
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Ø Human
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