1. In life's hierarchy of organization, new properties emerge at each level as atoms are organized into molecules, organelles, cells, tissues, organs, systems, organisms, populations, communities, ecosystems, and the biosphere.
2. The middle tier is characterized by the organism, which is composed of organ systems that have specific functions and are composed of organs. Organs provide specific functions for the organism.
3. Life emerges at the cellular level, which is composed of molecules, organelles, and cells, the living entities distinguished from their environment by a membrane.
4. Living organisms interact with their environments, exchanging matter and energy through interactions between living and non-living components. The non