biological systems
Nature's working mechanisms
Biological systems are organized groups of living components that work together to perform functions—from cells and organs to entire ecosystems.
The term spans scales: a circulatory system moves blood through an organism, while a wetland system cycles nutrients through interconnected species.
In research and engineering, biological systems often contrasts with mechanical or artificial ones: We're studying how biological systems repair themselves.
The phrase emphasizes interconnection and emergent behavior rather than isolated parts.
- body systemsFunctional groupings within organisms
- skinBody's outer layer
- ecosystemInterconnected organisms and surroundings
- cell membraneOuter layer of cytoplasm
- rootUnderground absorbing structure
organelles · living organisms · life cycle · metabolism · energy flow · homeostasis · gene expression · DNA replication · feedback loops · natural selection · living · physiology · growth · nervous · cells · cell division · respiration · circulation
- systemsecosystems, ecosystem, transportation network, communication systems, complex systems
- animacyanimate, inanimate, living, nonliving, alive
- CyberneticsNorbert Wiener, feedback loops, control systems, self-regulation, homeostasis
- nonequilibriumirreversibility, dissipation, steady state, steady states, steady-state
- ORNL Researchnuclear research, energy research, materials science, supercomputing, nuclear physics
biological systemsmechanical systems
Assemblies using motion and force
machines · robotic systems · electronic systems · digital systems · computer systems
biological systemsautomated systems
Technology operating without human intervention