1. How to Organize Everything!
Hierarchy Theory
How to Organize Everything!

2. What are four or more possible responses to the question “Where do you live?”
List all of the response your group generated on the whiteboard.

3. In your group, choose an organizational pattern and create a diagram of all the terms on the whiteboard that represents your organization pattern on the large sheet of paper using markers.
Your group will present to the class what organizational pattern you chose and describe how you organized your terms.

4. Hierarchy Theory Objectives: I will be able to:
define hierarchy and hierarchy theory.
draw diagrams that represent human hierarchies and biotic hierarchies.
identify and organize biotic levels from subatomic particles to biomes.
explain how different levels in a hierarchy interact to produce specific patterns and processes at different temporal and spatial scales
In your group, create a new diagram using your choice of organizational pattern of the terms on the next slide.

5. Hierarchy Theory atoms biomes cells ecosystems molecules organs
organisms organ systems populations
organelles subatomic particles communities
tissues

6. Hierarchy Theory
Hierarchy refers to a system of organization in which one level is made up of several parts from below and is itself a component of the next level.
Higher levels constrain and provide context for lower levels, lower levels provide the “details” to explain the structure and functions seen at higher levels, and the different components of each level interact.
There are qualities that occur only as a result of the interaction of the different components within a level and are not exhibited by any of the components alone.
These are called emergent properties.

7. Powers of 10
What happens to our perspectives when we change the scale of things?
What advantages exist by looking at things in different scales?
inclusive: including everything from the levels below

8. Vocabulary: subatomic particles: the elemental constituents of matter
atom: the smallest unit of an element that retains the unique set of physical and chemical properties of that element
molecule: a particle composed of at least two bonded atoms that has a unique set of physical and chemical properties
organelle: structures in cells that carry out distinct functions
cell: the smallest level at which all functions of life can be carried out by organisms
tissue: a distinct area of an organ formed from a mass of similar cells and cell products

9. Vocabulary:
organ: a structure composed of two or more tissue types that work together to carry out a particular function
organ system: a group of interconnected organs that have a specific collective function
organism: a living entity that can act or function independently
population: all organisms of the same species that coexist and interact (in time and space)
community: all populations of different species that coexist and interact (in time and space)
ecosystem: communities interacting with their abiotic environment
biome: ecosystems of the world characterized by similar dominant flora, fauna, and climate

10. Biotic Hierarchy subatomic particles atoms molecules organelles cells
tissues
organs
organ systems
organisms
populations
communities
ecosystems
biomes

11. Biotic Hierarchy – The Game!
Obtain a game pack from the front table for your group.
Take out the Biotic Hierarchy deck of cards (the ones with an orange back).
In your group, sort the cards by suit (color) and by biotic hierarchy as we have discussed in class.
Next, shuffle the cards and pick one of the card games to play in your group. This is to help you become familiar with the face values of the cards for the game we will be playing tomorrow.

12. Biotic Hierarchy – The Game!
To get Ready:
Fill out your “Interaction” sheet with Period, Date, and Group Member’s names.
Spread out Hierarchy Deck (orange cards) face down on your table.
Shuffle Question Deck (green cards) and place stack face down on table.
Decide who will answer first question. Group will take turns answering questions so that everyone participates.

13. Biotic Hierarchy – The Game!
To Play:
Turn over one Hierarchy card. Note which level it is about and the example it gives.
Turn over a question card. Note if it asks a question about “same level”, “level above”, or “level below”.
Write the “example” from the hierarchy card in the “same level”, “level above”, or “level below” column box in the row of the hierarchy card level.
Write the person’s name and their answer in the “Example Effect” box on the same level.

14. Biotic Hierarchy – The Game!
Example:
Hierarchy Card: Atom-Nitrogen
Question Card: How does the level above constrain, or affect, the function at this level?
Continue taking turns until every level has at least one answer.
When Question cards run out, shuffle the green deck and start over on questions.
Focal Level
Level Above
Example Effect
Level Below
Same level
Atom -
Nitrogen
- Josh
The molecule level affects the function, altering or changing how nitrogen acts depending on what other atoms it is bonded with.

15. Will begin at 1:59, promptly!
Biotic Hierarchy Quiz
Will begin at 1:59, promptly!