What term describes properties that arise at each level in the hierarchy of life due to interactions among components?

The concept being described is known as emergent properties. Emergent properties refer to characteristics or behaviors that arise when different components at a particular level of biological organization interact in complex ways. These properties cannot be predicted solely from the characteristics of the individual components alone. For instance, the property of life itself emerges from the intricate interactions of molecules, cells, and tissues working together in a larger system.

This concept is foundational in biology because it highlights how complex systems exhibit unique attributes that are not apparent when examining individual elements in isolation. Understanding emergent properties is essential for studying systems like ecosystems, organisms, and cellular structures, ensuring that one appreciates how interactions contribute to the overall function and organization.

In contrast, the other terms do not capture this idea accurately. Cellular organization pertains specifically to the arrangement and function of cells, while systematic complexity refers more to the overall intricacy of systems rather than the specific interactions that lead to new properties. Ordered structure involves organization but does not emphasize the dynamic interactions. Thus, emergent properties aptly describe the phenomenon of new characteristics arising from the collective interactions among components.