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28 Nov 2025

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Animal Organization in Biology for High School: Key Notes

Your body is like a perfectly organised city with different levels working together - from tiny cells all... Show more

AQA Combined Science (Trilogy) - Higher
B4: Organisation in animals

Levels of organisation
There are 5 levels of organisation in living org

Levels of Organisation and the Digestive System

Think of your body like a company with five levels of management, each building on the last. Cells are your basic workers, whilst tissues are teams of similar cells doing the same job. Organs are departments where different tissues collaborate, and organ systems are divisions where organs work together. Finally, the whole organism (that's you!) is when everything functions as one unit.

Your digestive system is brilliant teamwork in action. Your mouth starts the process by chewing, whilst salivary glands release amylase enzymes to begin breaking down starch. The stomach churns food and releases acid to kill harmful bacteria, plus protease enzymes to digest proteins.

The liver and pancreas are your chemical factories. The liver makes bile (stored in the gall bladder) to neutralise stomach acid and break fat into tiny droplets. Meanwhile, the pancreas produces three key enzymes amylase, lipase, and protease to digest different food types.

Quick Tip Remember that the small intestine absorbs nutrients whilst the large intestine absorbs water - don't mix them up in your exams!

AQA Combined Science (Trilogy) - Higher
B4: Organisation in animals

Levels of organisation
There are 5 levels of organisation in living org

The Respiratory System

Breathing might seem simple, but there's actually a sophisticated pathway air takes through your body. When you breathe in, air travels through your mouth and nose, down the trachea (windpipe), splits into two bronchi, then branches into smaller bronchioles, and finally reaches tiny alveoli (air sacs).

The magic happens at the alveoli, where oxygen diffuses into your bloodstream through a network of capillaries. These air sacs are perfectly designed for gas exchange - they're incredibly thin and have a huge surface area.

Breathing out is controlled by your diaphragm and intercostal muscles. When these muscles relax, your diaphragm moves up and your ribcage drops inwards and downwards. This increases pressure in your lungs, forcing air out naturally.

Exam Focus Learn the breathing pathway in order - examiners love testing this sequence from trachea to alveoli!

AQA Combined Science (Trilogy) - Higher
B4: Organisation in animals

Levels of organisation
There are 5 levels of organisation in living org

The Circulatory System and Blood Vessels

Your blood is actually a tissue made of four crucial components working as a team. Red blood cells are oxygen taxis, carrying it around your body. Plasma is the liquid highway that transports everything. Platelets are your emergency repair crew, forming clots when you're injured. White blood cells are your security team, fighting off infections and pathogens.

Blood vessels have structures perfectly matched to their jobs. Arteries carry blood away from your heart under high pressure, so they need thick, muscular walls to cope. Veins return blood to your heart at low pressure, which is why they have valves to prevent backflow and thinner walls.

Capillaries are the delivery network - just one cell thick so oxygen and nutrients can easily diffuse to your tissues. They connect arteries and veins, completing the circuit.

Memory Trick Arteries = Away from the heart. Both start with 'A'!

AQA Combined Science (Trilogy) - Higher
B4: Organisation in animals

Levels of organisation
There are 5 levels of organisation in living org

The Heart and Double Circulation

Your heart is a muscular pump made of cardiac muscle that never gets tired. It has four chambers working in pairs the right ventricle pumps blood to your lungs, whilst the left ventricle (which is stronger) pumps blood around your entire body.

Key heart structures include the aorta (carries oxygenated blood to your body), vena cava (brings deoxygenated blood back), pulmonary artery (takes blood to lungs), and pulmonary vein (brings oxygenated blood from lungs). Your heart rate is controlled by special cells in the right atrium that work like a natural pacemaker.

Humans have a double circulatory system because blood passes through your heart twice in every complete circuit. This is incredibly efficient - the right side sends blood to your lungs for oxygen, whilst the left side pumps that freshly oxygenated blood to the rest of your body.

Exam Success Remember that the left ventricle has thicker walls because it needs more power to pump blood around your entire body, not just to the nearby lungs!

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Stefan S

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Samantha Klich

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Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

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This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

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Xander S

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Biology

752

28 Nov 2025

4 pages

Animal Organization in Biology for High School: Key Notes

Your body is like a perfectly organised city with different levels working together - from tiny cells all the way up to complete organ systems. Understanding how your digestive, respiratory, and circulatory systems are structured will help you ace your... Show more

AQA Combined Science (Trilogy) - Higher
B4: Organisation in animals

Levels of organisation
There are 5 levels of organisation in living org

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Levels of Organisation and the Digestive System

Think of your body like a company with five levels of management, each building on the last. Cells are your basic workers, whilst tissues are teams of similar cells doing the same job. Organs are departments where different tissues collaborate, and organ systems are divisions where organs work together. Finally, the whole organism (that's you!) is when everything functions as one unit.

Your digestive system is brilliant teamwork in action. Your mouth starts the process by chewing, whilst salivary glands release amylase enzymes to begin breaking down starch. The stomach churns food and releases acid to kill harmful bacteria, plus protease enzymes to digest proteins.

The liver and pancreas are your chemical factories. The liver makes bile (stored in the gall bladder) to neutralise stomach acid and break fat into tiny droplets. Meanwhile, the pancreas produces three key enzymes: amylase, lipase, and protease to digest different food types.

Quick Tip: Remember that the small intestine absorbs nutrients whilst the large intestine absorbs water - don't mix them up in your exams!

AQA Combined Science (Trilogy) - Higher
B4: Organisation in animals

Levels of organisation
There are 5 levels of organisation in living org

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

The Respiratory System

Breathing might seem simple, but there's actually a sophisticated pathway air takes through your body. When you breathe in, air travels through your mouth and nose, down the trachea (windpipe), splits into two bronchi, then branches into smaller bronchioles, and finally reaches tiny alveoli (air sacs).

The magic happens at the alveoli, where oxygen diffuses into your bloodstream through a network of capillaries. These air sacs are perfectly designed for gas exchange - they're incredibly thin and have a huge surface area.

Breathing out is controlled by your diaphragm and intercostal muscles. When these muscles relax, your diaphragm moves up and your ribcage drops inwards and downwards. This increases pressure in your lungs, forcing air out naturally.

Exam Focus: Learn the breathing pathway in order - examiners love testing this sequence from trachea to alveoli!

AQA Combined Science (Trilogy) - Higher
B4: Organisation in animals

Levels of organisation
There are 5 levels of organisation in living org

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

The Circulatory System and Blood Vessels

Your blood is actually a tissue made of four crucial components working as a team. Red blood cells are oxygen taxis, carrying it around your body. Plasma is the liquid highway that transports everything. Platelets are your emergency repair crew, forming clots when you're injured. White blood cells are your security team, fighting off infections and pathogens.

Blood vessels have structures perfectly matched to their jobs. Arteries carry blood away from your heart under high pressure, so they need thick, muscular walls to cope. Veins return blood to your heart at low pressure, which is why they have valves to prevent backflow and thinner walls.

Capillaries are the delivery network - just one cell thick so oxygen and nutrients can easily diffuse to your tissues. They connect arteries and veins, completing the circuit.

Memory Trick: Arteries = Away from the heart. Both start with 'A'!

AQA Combined Science (Trilogy) - Higher
B4: Organisation in animals

Levels of organisation
There are 5 levels of organisation in living org

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

The Heart and Double Circulation

Your heart is a muscular pump made of cardiac muscle that never gets tired. It has four chambers working in pairs: the right ventricle pumps blood to your lungs, whilst the left ventricle (which is stronger) pumps blood around your entire body.

Key heart structures include the aorta (carries oxygenated blood to your body), vena cava (brings deoxygenated blood back), pulmonary artery (takes blood to lungs), and pulmonary vein (brings oxygenated blood from lungs). Your heart rate is controlled by special cells in the right atrium that work like a natural pacemaker.

Humans have a double circulatory system because blood passes through your heart twice in every complete circuit. This is incredibly efficient - the right side sends blood to your lungs for oxygen, whilst the left side pumps that freshly oxygenated blood to the rest of your body.

Exam Success: Remember that the left ventricle has thicker walls because it needs more power to pump blood around your entire body, not just to the nearby lungs!

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

52

Smart Tools NEW

Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines

Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay

Similar content

Circulatory System Overview

Explore the key functions and components of the circulatory system, including blood flow, heart structure, and the role of blood vessels. This summary covers the effects of exercise on pulse rate, the importance of red and white blood cells, and the process of blood circulation in the body. Ideal for GCSE Biology students preparing for exams.

BiologyBiology
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Biology: Human & Plant Organisation

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Explore the intricate mechanisms of oxygen transport in animals, focusing on the role of haemoglobin, the cardiac cycle, and the structure of blood vessels. This summary covers key concepts such as oxygen dissociation curves, the Bohr effect, and the differences between open and closed circulatory systems. Ideal for A Level Biology students studying the transport in animals topic.

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Explore the structure and function of the mammalian heart, including the cardiac cycle, blood flow, and heart sounds. This summary covers key concepts such as the four chambers, valves, and blood pressure measurements, essential for GCSE biology students.

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Explore the intricate structure and function of the heart and circulatory system. This summary covers key concepts such as blood flow, heart anatomy, and the roles of major arteries and veins. Ideal for IGCSE Biology students aiming for top grades. Includes visuals for better understanding.

BiologyBiology
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Cardiovascular System Overview

Explore the intricacies of the cardiovascular system, including the cardiac cycle, blood circulation, and the structure and function of the heart and blood vessels. This summary provides essential insights into how the heart pumps blood, the roles of arteries and veins, and the significance of the circulatory system in transporting nutrients and oxygen throughout the body.

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Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user