Question

Which of the following is not a level of the biological hierarchy commonly studied by ecologists? a. ecosystem b. individual c. organelle d. population

Short answer

c. organelle

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Levels of Biological Hierarchy

Biological hierarchy refers to the way in which biological systems are structured at different levels. Each level includes everything within it from the lower levels.

Define Each Option

Review each option given: a. Ecosystem: A community of interacting organisms and their physical environment. b. Individual: A single organism. c. Organelle: A specialized subunit within a cell that has a specific function. d. Population: A group of individuals of the same species living in a particular area.

Identify the Levels Commonly Studied by Ecologists

Ecologists commonly study the following biological hierarchies: - Ecosystem - Population - Individual Organelle is typically studied in the field of cell biology, not ecology.

Determine the Answer

The level that is not commonly studied by ecologists is organelle.

Key concepts

ecosystem

An ecosystem is a community of interacting organisms and their physical environment. It includes all living things (plants, animals, bacteria, fungi) and non-living components (such as climate, water, and soil) within a specific area. The key idea is that all these elements interact with each other to form a complex web of relationships. Ecologists study ecosystems to understand these interactions and how changes in one part of the system can affect the other parts. The study of ecosystems helps in understanding biodiversity, energy flow, and the cycling of nutrients.

individual organism

An individual organism is a single living entity, such as a plant, animal, bacterium, or fungus. In ecological studies, focusing on individual organisms can help understand their behavior, physiology, and how they interact with their environment. Ecology at this level often includes the study of an organism's role in the ecosystem, its adaptations, and how it survives and reproduces. For instance, examining the feeding habits of a lion helps understand its role as a predator within a savannah ecosystem.

population biology

Population biology is the study of groups of organisms of the same species that live in the same area. This includes analyzing how populations grow and what factors affect their size and density. Key topics in population biology include birth rates, death rates, migration, and the impact of environmental pressures. Studying populations helps ecologists understand species' survival and reproduction strategies, their genetic diversity, and how they adapt to their environment.

organelle

Organelles are specialized subunits within cells that perform specific functions, such as mitochondria (energy production) and chloroplasts (photosynthesis). While organelles are crucial to the functioning of cells, they are typically studied under cell biology, not ecology. Cell biologists focus on understanding how these organelles work and contribute to the life of a cell. This knowledge is essential for understanding diseases, development, and cell function.

levels of organization

The levels of organization in biology refer to the hierarchy of complex biological structures and systems. This hierarchy ranges from the smallest, simplest levels to the largest, most complex levels. It starts with the molecule and cell, goes up to organs and systems, then to organisms, populations, and communities, and finally to ecosystems and the biosphere. Each level of organization is studied to understand different aspects of biology, from the biochemistry of life to the interactions within an ecosystem.