1.12 Which one of the following is arranged from largest to smallest? A Population, community, ecosystem, biosphere. B Ecosystem, biosphere, community, population C Biosphere, ecosystem, community, population D Biosphere, ecosystem, population, community. (1)

The correct choice is C: Biosphere, ecosystem, community, population. The biosphere is the largest unit, encompassing all ecosystems on Earth. Ecosystems consist of communities of organisms interacting with their environment. Communities are made up of different populations, which consist of individuals of the same species. This hierarchy illustrates the organization of life from broad, global levels down to specific species groups. Understanding this hierarchy is essential in ecology, as it helps scientists and researchers better grasp how various levels of biological organization interact and function. For example, conservation efforts often focus on managing ecosystems to preserve communities and their populations, ensuring biodiversity and sustainability for future generations.