Name: ________________________________ Date: _______ Bl: ____
Check out THAT Figure…!
Congratulations! You’ve just been hired to illustrate a new Biology textbook!
The authors of our text, Miller and Levine, want to include a figure about the Levels of Biological
Organization. While they presently have a fairly adequate diagram illustrating the levels of life
and organization utilizing bison (pg. 21), they have decided that they would like to replace it with
something a bit more memorable, eye-catching and meaningful- something that would make a
stronger illustration and study tool for a student like you.
GOAL: You will re-design the “Levels of Organization” diagram found on pg. 21. You should choose a
unique organism as the centerpiece of your design (replacing the present bison). You should utilize a
more eye-grabbing organization scheme that clearly shows the increasing complexity from the
molecular level through the biosphere level. You should include the terms molecules, cells, tissues,
organs, organ system, organism, population, community, ecosystem, and biosphere in your diagram.
Research:
1. You will select the organism to center your figure around. You will then research the components of that
organism to complete the levels “below” it (What organ systems, tissues, cells, and molecules are found in
it?), as well as the role or niche the organism fills in the world around it to complete the levels “above” it
(Whom does it live with? What non-living factors does it interact with?). Each person in the class should
choose something different; sign up for your selected organism with the teacher.
2. Other than the “Biosphere” level, each level of your diagram should include different examples than
those given in your textbook. While the internet will be helpful, here are some additional hints to guide
your research:

Molecules: See Chapter 2 in your text

“Groups of Cells”: break this level down into TISSUES ORGANS ORGAN
SYSTEM rather than using the vague term “Groups of Cells”. Chapter 5 in an Anatomy
text book may be beneficial for pictures of cells and tissues.

Population: What is a group of your organism called? For example, a group of dolphins
is known as a pod. Be certain to include this term at your population level.

Community and Ecosystem: Be sure that each of these levels clearly shows the
organisms and objects that your subject interacts with at that specific level.
Construction:
3. Construct your diagram neatly on paper- rulers are available to assist you. You are free to organize your
diagram in any eye-catching manner that you choose, however, it is important that the sequence from
smallest  largest level of organization (or vice versa) is clear and apparent.
4. You may draw or find photographs on the internet to illustrate your figure. Your figures should be in
color for maximum credit.
5. ***At EACH level of organization, you must include a brief definition or description that demonstrates
you understand the term illustrated. This description should be in your own words- not regurgitation of
the text’s (or sample diagram’s!) definitions.
How Will I be Graded?
Content:
Has 10 levels of organization in correct order:
_____/ 10
Has accurate description, in the artist’s own words, of each level:
_____/ 10
Creative choices of organism and correct systems:
_____/ 4
Accurate analysis of molecules, cells, and tissues/organs/organ systems:
_____/ 5
Clear and accurate illustration of the parts of the community and ecosystem:
_____/ 4
Appearance:
Interesting illustrations or photos of each level:
_____/ 4
Neatly and creatively arranged:
_____/ 4
Work Ethic:
Remained on task, helpful to others, etc.:
_____/ 2
Total:
_____/ 43
Please include this page with your completed diagram for grading.