Levels and Structure
Plant Systems
Animal Systems
Information Processing
Behavior
100

Smallest level of organization

cell

100

System that absorbs water

root system

100

Tissue for movement

muscle tissue

100

Definition of stimulus

change in the surrounding environment

100

Behavior you are born with

innate behavior

200

Structure helps determine what?

function

200

System that performs photosynthesis

shoot system

200

Tissue for communication

nervous tissue

200

Cells that carry messages

neurons

200

Behavior learned over time

learned behavior

300

Level made of similar cells

tissue

300

Tissue that moves water

xylem

300

System that exchanges gases

respiratory system

300

System that processes information

nervous system

300

Example of learned behavior

Examples:

• riding a bike

 • playing an instrument

 • studying

 • learning a language

 • training a pet

400

Level made of organs working together

organ system

400

Tissue that moves sugars

phloem

400

System that moves nutrients

circulatory system

400

Maintaining stable conditions

homeostasis

400

Example of innate behavior

Examples:

• baby crying

• reflexes 

• blinking

• birds migrating

500

Give an example of structure relating to function

• Leaves are flat to capture sunlight
 • Muscle cells contract for movement
 • Roots are long to absorb water
 • Neurons have long extensions to send signals
 • Bones are strong for support

What to listen for:

They must explain HOW structure helps the job

500

Explain why plants need transport systems

Plants need transport systems to move water, nutrients, and sugars to all parts of the plant so it can survive and grow.

Acceptable variations:

• move water from roots to leaves

 • distribute sugars made in leaves

 • support growth

 • maintain function

500

Explain how two systems work together.

Full answers examples:

Respiratory + circulatory deliver oxygen

Digestive + circulatory distribute nutrients

Muscular + skeletal allow movement

What to listen for:

They must explain interaction, not just name systems

500

Example of negative feedback

Examples:

• sweating when hot
 • shivering when cold
 • blood sugar regulation
 • body temperature control

Key idea: response reverses change

500

Why does behavior help survival?

Behavior helps organisms respond to their environment to find food, avoid danger, and reproduce.

Acceptable ideas:

• helps respond to stimuli

• increases survival chances

• helps adapt to environment

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