Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

1. Introduction to Biology

Life's Organizational Hierarchy

General Biology

1. Introduction to Biology

Life's Organizational Hierarchy

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0:55 minutes

Problem 8

Textbook Question

A biologist studying interactions among the bacteria in an ecosystem could not be working at which level in life's hierarchy? (Choose carefully and explain your answer.)
a. The population level
b. The molecular level
c. The organism level
d. The organ level

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Begin by understanding the levels of biological organization. Life's hierarchy includes levels such as molecules, cells, tissues, organs, organisms, populations, communities, ecosystems, and the biosphere.

Step 2: Analyze the question. The biologist is studying interactions among bacteria in an ecosystem. This implies a focus on how bacteria interact with each other and their environment, which is relevant to certain levels of biological organization.

Step 3: Evaluate each option: (a) Population level refers to a group of organisms of the same species living in a specific area, which could include bacteria. (b) Molecular level involves studying molecules like DNA, proteins, or other biochemical components, which is not directly about interactions among bacteria. (c) Organism level focuses on individual organisms, which could include bacteria. (d) Organ level refers to structures within multicellular organisms, which is not applicable to bacteria as they are unicellular.

Step 4: Determine which level is least relevant to the study of bacterial interactions. Since bacteria are unicellular and do not have organs, the organ level is not applicable to this study.

Step 5: Conclude that the biologist could not be working at the organ level when studying interactions among bacteria in an ecosystem, as bacteria lack organs.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Levels of Biological Organization

Biological organization is structured in a hierarchy, ranging from atoms and molecules to cells, tissues, organs, organisms, populations, communities, ecosystems, and the biosphere. Each level represents a different scale of biological complexity, with interactions occurring at each level. Understanding this hierarchy is crucial for identifying the appropriate level of study for specific biological interactions.

Population Level

The population level refers to a group of individuals of the same species living in a specific area, interacting with one another. In the context of bacteria, studying populations involves examining how these microorganisms interact, compete, and coexist within their environment. This level is essential for understanding ecological dynamics and the roles of different species in an ecosystem.

Molecular and Organ Levels

The molecular level focuses on the interactions and functions of biomolecules, such as DNA, proteins, and lipids, while the organ level pertains to groups of tissues working together to perform specific functions within an organism. A biologist studying bacterial interactions would not typically operate at the organ level, as bacteria do not form organs, and molecular studies would be more focused on individual components rather than community interactions.

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