A biological system is a set of elements that are connected and dependent on each other, forming a single whole, perform certain functions, and also interact with the environment or other elements and systems.
The main functional elements of
biological systems have a different level of organization and a corresponding classification. Among them are individual molecules and cells, tissues and organs, as well as whole organisms, their populations, and even the whole ecosystem. All these elements, starting from the organismal level, are able to exist independently, forming the corresponding levels of evolution, the highest manifestation of which is the biosphere rank.
It must be said that each biological system, despite the various constituent elements, is characterized by the following features:
- performs appropriate functions;
- it has a certain integrity;
- consists of separate subsystems;
- capable of adaptation, which is the corresponding changes in response to various environmental influences;
- in addition, the biological system is characterized by relative stability and the ability to develop, constant regeneration of damaged components, as well as to full or partial renewal and self-healing.
A relatively homogeneous biological system is the
level of organization of the living, which is characterized by the corresponding type of interaction of elements, as well as the spatial and temporal criteria of the processes that occur in it.
The concept of different levels of organization of living matter became widespread in the mid-20th century. It includes the differentiation of all life on the planet into separate discrete and interconnected structural groups.
It should be noted that the biological system is characterized by the principle of hierarchy - different levels of organization form a specific pyramid, in which each structural level is followed by the next, but higher rank. At the same time, all levels of the organization interact and influence each other.
Since ancient times, biological systematics began to develop - a discipline whose purpose is to develop individual principles for the classification of all living organisms that can be used in the construction of biological systems.
Today, the
classification of plants and animals is carried out according to the hierarchy principle mentioned above: individual individuals - species that join together in genera, - family - order or order - classes that form the corresponding departments, - types that are part of kingdoms. So, a particular plant or animal must belong to each of these seven classification categories.
A new concept is the term “supra-kingdom” or a biological domain. Behind it, each biological system is also classified into the superstates of eukaryotes, bacteria or archaea.
It is worth noting that a certain peculiarity is inherent in biological systems: living organisms are connected not only among themselves, but also with the environment, which is manifested in the general exchange of energy, substances and information. Life without such interaction is impossible.