Module 2: Living Systems From a Biological Perspective

What are the 3 common principles of systems (Mendoza, 2008)?

• Elements or structures

• Interconnections or interactions

• Function or purpose

Why are biological principles important?

They play an important role in understanding living systems (organisms).

What is the Law of Specialization?

“The more highly adapted an organism is to a specific environment, the more difficult it is to adapt to a different environment.”

What happens to a living creature’s “system-ness” at death?

It loses its “system-ness.”

Are living systems open or closed?

They are open systems with respect to energy, but closed systems with respect to matter.

How are living systems organized?

Into hierarchies with progressive specialization of functions, with complexity emerging from lower to higher levels.

What is the smallest unit of life?

The cell.

How many levels of origin of living systems are there?

11 levels

What are the 7 basic functions of living systems?

• Energetics

• Behavior

• Development

• Evolution

• Division

• Integration

• Regulation

What does energetics study?

The conversion of energy and matter.

Why is the biosphere considered an open system?

Because it has continuous energy input (e.g., photosynthesis).

Why is the biosphere considered a closed system with respect to matter?

Because matter cycles through slow geological processes like volcanism, weathering, sedimentation, and mineralization.