Organism

Population

Community

Ecosystem

Biome

Biosphere

Ecological Levels of Organization

OrganismFirst (lowest) level of organizationAn individual, single speciesAny unicellular or multicellular form

exhibiting all of the characteristics of life

PopulationA group of organisms of the same

species that live in the same geographical area

Produce fertile offspringCompete with each other for resources

CommunityTwo or more populations of

different species that interact and live in the same geographical area

A community of living organisms and the abiotic factors they interact with◦Abiotic factors—non-living factors

(light, air, water, etc.)

Ecosystem

One of several types of ecosystems define by their climate

Biome

A collection of ecosystems Includes all of the living world

and the biotic and abiotic factors that affect life

Biosphere