Biological organisation

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Biological organization is the organization of complex biological structures and systems that define life using a reductionistic approach. The traditional hierarchy, as detailed below, extends from atoms to biospheres. The higher levels of this scheme are often referred to as an ecological organizational concept, or as the field, hierarchical ecology. Each level in the hierarchy represents an increase in organizational complexity, with each "object" being primarily composed of the previous level's basic unit. The basic principle behind the organization is the concept of emergence—the properties and functions found at a hierarchical level are not present and irrelevant at the lower levels. The biological organization of life is a fundamental premise for numerous areas of scientific research, particularly in the medical sciences. Without this necessary degree of organization, it would be much more difficult—and likely impossible—to apply the study of the effects of various physical and chemical...

Read on Wikipedia · Image Kastberger G, Schmelzer E, Kranner I (2008) Social Waves in Giant Honeybees Repel Hornets. PLoS ONE 3(9): e3141. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0003141, CC BY 2.5