Biological system: the essence of the concept and the main characteristics

A biological system is a collection of elements that are connected and dependent on each other, forming a single whole, performing specific functions, and interacting with the environment or other elements and systems.

The main functional elements of biological systems have different levels of organization and the corresponding classification. Among them one can name both individual molecules and cells, tissues and organs, and whole organisms, their populations and even the whole ecosystem. All these elements, beginning with the organismic level, are able to exist independently, forming the corresponding levels of evolution, the highest manifestation of which is the biospheric rank.

I must say that each biological system, despite the various constituent elements, is characterized by the following features:

• Performs the relevant functions;
• It has a certain integrity;
• Consists of separate subsystems;
• Is adaptable, which is the corresponding change in response to various environmental impacts;
• In addition, the biological system is characterized by relative stability and ability to develop, constant regeneration of damaged components, as well as full or partial renewal and self-repair.

Relatively homogeneous biological system is the level of organization of the living, for which the corresponding type of interaction of elements is characteristic, as well as spatial and temporal criteria of the processes that occur in it.

The concept of different levels of organization of living matter was spread in the middle of the 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 level follows the next higher level. At the same time, all levels of the organization interact and influence each other.

Since ancient times, biological systematics has begun to develop - a discipline whose purpose is to develop separate principles for the classification of all living organisms that can be used in the construction of biological systems.

To date, the classification of plants and animals is carried out according to the hierarchy principle mentioned above: individual individuals - species that combine into genera, - family - order or unit - classes that form the corresponding departments, - types that are part of the kingdoms. Thus, a particular plant or animal should refer to each of these seven classification categories.

The new term is the term "superkingdom" or biological domain. Behind it, each biological system is also classified into the super-kingdoms of eukaryotes, bacteria or archaea.

It should be noted that biological systems have a specific feature: living organisms are not only related to each other, but also to the environment, which is manifested in the general exchange of energy, substances and information. Life without such interaction is impossible.