Levels of Organization Learning Targets

Describe the levels of organization of life or how life is organized. Organization of Life

Atom  Molecule  Cell Organelle  Cell  Tissue  Organ system  Organism  Population  Community  Ecosystem  Biosphere Atom

The smallest particle of an element that retains the properties of that element. Building block of all matter. An element is a pure substance that cannot be separated into simpler substances by chemical or physical means. Molecule

The smallest possible particle of a compound. A compound is two or more elements chemically combined. Organelles

Specialized structures within eukaryotic cells that perform important cellular functions. Similar to organs in an animal.

Cells

The basic unit of all organisms; all living things are composed of cells. Tissues

A group of cells that work together to perform a specific function. Examples: muscle, epithelial, connective and nervous. Connective Tissue Organ

A group of two or more tissues organized to perform a specific life function. Examples: heart, lungs, liver, kidney.

Organ System

Multiple organs that work together to perform a specific life function. Examples: circulatory, respiratory, digestive.

Organism

A single individual of a specific species. Ex: an individual diamond back rattlesnake or an individual white bass. Population

A group of individuals of the same species that live together in the same area at the same time. Example: All the white bass in Lake Pleasant.

Communities

Consists of all of the populations of different species (or all of the living things) that live and interact in an area. All the white bass, striped bass, bluegill, crawdads, shad, birds, plants, plankton, etc. that live in Lake Pleasant.

Ecosystems

Are made up of a community of organisms and their abiotic (non- living) environment. Includes the dead wood, rocks, water, oxygen, dirt, etc. in Lake Pleasant.

Check Point

What is missing in a community that is included in an ecosystem? Identify each as an organism, population, community or ecosystem.

 All of the deer, elk, grass and squirrels on the Kaibab Plateau.  One elk on the Kaibab Plateau.  All of the deer, elk, grass, squirrels, soil, air, and rocks on the Kaibab Plateau.  All the mule deer on the Kaibab Plateau. The Biosphere

The part of Earth where life exists. It extends from the ocean floor to several kilometers into the air.