With the aid of specific examples, describe the concept of a hierarchy of biological organization. What is meant by the phrase the whole is greater than the sum of its parts?

The remaining levels of the hierarchy are just as important for reproduction and evolving for sustaining life which helps define the phrase, “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.”  The last levels of organization self-regulate its function for homeostasis.    Homeostasis is the regulation of internal chemical processes in living organisms which maintain a constant environment.  These levels of biological organization are the organism; the organ system, such as the circulatory system; organs such as kidney, brain, or heart. The organ such as the kidney plays a vital role in its job of self-regulating.  The kidneys produce hormones for the function of other organs.  “The kidneys also produce hormones that affect the function of other organs” and “Other hormones produced by the kidneys help regulate blood pressure and control calcium metabolism” (“Why Are the Kidneys So Important” n.d.).  Without this type of self-regulation, living organisms will not be able to function.  The remaining hierarchy in order is tissues; cell; organelle; molecule; and the atom, the smallest piece of the puzzle in the levels of organization.  The final levels of organization mentioned aid in regulation of internal conditions as well as sustain life through evolution and reproduction.  Through this process of each level doing its specific function, as each function is performed separately, the outcome aids to sustain life on the whole.  If one organ is missing and not performing its function as necessary, then the function of other organs will stop.  For instance, if the heart stops beating, in animals and humans, then all the other organs will shut down.  

The hierarchy of biological organization is a number of systems that build upon each other to evolve, reproduce, and sustain life.  The biosphere contains all environments in which organisms live including the ecosystem, down to the molecules that encase the atom.  The biosphere connects living organisms with nonliving matter to support life here on earth.  Internal organs also help sustain life and when all the systems work together through chemical process, the organism is in homeostasis.  If vital organs cannot perform its specific function, then all other organs will cease to function or exist.

I apply the hierarchical organization method in my daily life with regard to my job.  Every department has a specific function that is performed so that the next department can perform its function like emergent properties.  Ultimately, the greater whole is the service delivery to our clients every day.  Each department is aware of what the other department’s specific duty and is knowledgeable with regard to how each department within the organization is interconnected to maintain a departmental homeostasis.  Every day while at work, I am affected by the living organisms such as clients and co-workers; and I am affected by nonliving matter such as computers, paper, and department policies.  The chain of command within my job’s organization is also a hierarchy of organization.

Reference

New York (NY) National Kidney Foundation 2012, Why Are the Kidneys So Important. (n.d.)

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