Lesson 3 – Levels of Biological Organization

In the end of the lesson, you will be able to classify organisms into their level of biological organizations.

Exploration

I want you first to observe carefully the picture. Then, think over and
answer the questions below.

1. What parts of the human body do you see?

Go and Learn

Levels of Biological Organization

Organisms are categorized according to the number of cells in the body, either unicellular or
multicellular. A unicellular organism depends upon just one cell for all of its functions while a multicellular
organism has cells specialized to perform different functions that collectively support the organism. As they
grow and develop, they become highly organized and specialized.
Apart from performing the basic life processes, a single cell can protect itself from harmful foreign substances and
also respond to various changes in its environment. Since all living organisms are made of cells, a cell is called the
structural unit of life. It can perform all the basic life processes such as digestion, respiration, excretion, and
reproduction that keep on organism alive and functioning. Therefore, it is also called the functional unit of life.

The different levels of biological organization are described and arranged below from the highest to the lowest or in a
descending order.
1. A cell is a collection of organelles that are functioning together. It is considered as the basic unit of life that
is capable of carrying out all the functions of living things. Cells have varied sizes and shapes.

2. A tissue is a group of distinct and similar cells that work together to perform a specific set of functions.
Examples of tissues in plants are-parenchyma, collenchyma, and sclerenchyma tissues. Examples of
tissues in animals are-epithelial, connective, muscular, and nervous tissues.

3. An organ consists of different tissues organized together to perform a certain function. For example, the
heart is made up of different tissues that enable it to perform the task of pumping blood to all parts of the
body.

4. An organ system consists of several different organs that work together to perform a broad spectrum of
functions. For example, the excretory system is composed of the kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, and
blood vessels that function by removing wastes from the various parts of the body, eliminating them through
sweating and urination.

5. An organism is a collection of different organ systems that work together to bring about various life
activities. Humans are composed of eleven organ systems. An organism is an individual belonging to a
particular species that has its own distinct existence as a complex, self- reproducing unit.
6. A population is a group of organisms of the same species occupying any given area. These organisms
freely interact with one another. Populations are sometimes associated into small groups-a pack of wolves,
pride of lions, town of squirrels, herd of cattle, and colony of termites.

7. A community consists of all the populations of different species of organisms living together in a given
area. These organisms interact with one another.

8. An ecosystem consists of all the community of organisms (biotic components) that inhabit the same area,
as well as the nonliving (or abiotic) components of the area and the set of interactions that exist between
these two components.

A biome pertains to a collection of ecosystems with similar climates and covering a large geographical area.
Grasslands, savannas, deserts, and tropical rainforests are examples of ecosystems that cover a large.
geographical area.

9. The biosphere consists of the totality of the ecosystems on planet Earth. It also pertains to any part of
Earth's sphere where life exists. It is also referred to as the world of life.
Directions: Use the description provided in your handout. Then classify each picture into what level of organization it
belongs. Write your answers in your Science activity notebook.
 ''' SAN LORENZO 5OU7H, VILLA SEGOVIA, BARANG AY DITA, CITY OF STA. ROSA, LAGUNA

Epithelial II Skelgtal [
12
1D,-

Fpitheliai Tissue
be skeielai i5 IoCated
system on thewfy
i$ a rigia framework a wl\ich II\e soffer rlssuas and organs of the body arc atta:hed.
oul si4e of ’ ”*” ”"- *" ! ^ ’ « ,rovides proteCtJon and structurai
well as in the lining Df tioIk›v/ or sur h as lhe bladder. Its purposes
5uppoFt ior the bOd
i \CIuJe Protection and secretly’ Group of organisms of one type that live in the same area

13 15

80ngs Are rigid organs that f0rM part In most vertebrate anirrlals. tile brain
of the endoskeleton Of vertebrates is the central organ of the nervous
They help to move, supp0rt and The animal cell is an It controls lhe other sy sl ems
protect the body a\ vrell as produ€i«s example of a cell. of lhe body by either
led and which blood ‹ells. activating MUSCI 8 5 Or
r•°ieasing chemicals

{Source: https:/Mww.rcsdL12.org/cms/Iih04/NY01001156/Centricity/Domain/3641/LeveIsOfOrganization.pdf)