College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC) Practice Exam

What is the correct sequence of biological organization levels?

1. Cellular tissue, organ, system, organismal, chemical level

2. Chemical level, cellular tissue, organ, system, organismal

3. Organismal, system, organ, cellular tissue, chemical level

4. Chemical level, organ, system, cellular tissue, organismal

The correct answer is: Chemical level, cellular tissue, organ, system, organismal

The correct sequence of biological organization levels starts with the most basic unit, which is the chemical level. This level includes atoms and molecules that combine to form the essential components of life. Following the chemical level is the cellular level, where cells are the fundamental units of life, each carrying out specific functions necessary for maintaining the organism. Next, the organization progresses to the tissue level, which consists of groups of similar cells working together to perform a common function. This is followed by the organ level, where different types of tissues come together to form a structure that performs specific tasks. The following level is the system level, where organs that work together for a particular purpose form organ systems. Lastly, the highest level of organization is the organismal level, representing the complete living entity composed of various systems. This progression from the chemical level to the organismal level is foundational to understanding biology and how complex life forms arise from simpler components. Each level builds on the previous one, ensuring that the complexity and functionality of living organisms are achieved harmoniously.