General ------Biology ------------Online- ---------------Chapter 1.  Introduction:  Themes in the  Study of Life

What is a hierarchy?  A hierarchy is a series of things placed in some order that reflects how you view them. (If you want a refresher on what a hierarchy is, click here.)

Before we consider biological hierarchies lets consider the bigger picture, the whole universe.  This Exercise will allow us to determine where biology fits into the larger scheme of things.

Exercise:  Take a sheet of paper and number 16 blanks.  Then fill in the blanks starting with the smallest thing in the universe subatomic particles in blank #1 (protons, neutrons and electrons) and end with galaxies in blank #16.  For the second blank, ask your self, "What do subatomic particles go together to make?"  (If you put some subatomic particles together, what do you call the result; what is the next largest "thing" called?  Answer: atom.)  Continue asking this question and filling in blanks at each step.

Work independently for 1-2 minutes, and don't fret if you do not have something in each blank.

Next, compare your results with that from the previous class, and then complete your sheet.  Do not turn this in.