Final answer:
The first characteristic of an organism is order, indicating that living beings are highly structured and organized, from atoms to organ systems.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first characteristic of an organization in the biological context refers to order. Organisms are highly structured and arranged in an intricate manner. Even in single-celled organisms, there is a remarkable complexity, with atoms forming molecules that make up cell organelles. In multicellular organisms, specialization allows cells to perform distinct functions, improving the organism's efficiency and survivability. This concept of order signifies how life is deeply organized from the smallest structures at the cellular level to the larger organ systems that define complex living beings.