Which of the following sequences correctly represents the hierarchy of living structure from simplest to most complex?

• A. Organism → Organ System → Organ → Tissue → Cell
• B. Tissue → Cell → Organ → Organ System → Organism
• C. Cell → Tissue → Organ → Organ System → Organism
• D. Organ System → Organ → Tissue → Cell → Organism

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of biological hierarchy, which organizes living structures from simplest to most complex. This hierarchy reflects the increasing complexity of biological systems.
2. Step 2: Begin with the simplest unit of life, the cell. Cells are the basic structural and functional units of all living organisms.
3. Step 3: Recognize that cells group together to form tissues. Tissues are collections of similar cells that perform specific functions.
4. Step 4: Learn that tissues combine to form organs. Organs are structures made of multiple tissue types working together to perform specific tasks.
5. Step 5: Understand that organs work together in organ systems, which coordinate functions across the body, and finally, organ systems collectively make up the organism, the most complex level of biological hierarchy.