üliolulised

Üliolulised is a term encountered in Estonian-language science writing to describe highly integrated biological collectives that function as a single unit beyond a typical multicellular organism. The word combines a prefix meaning “extremely” or “super” with a root associated with organisms, signaling a focus on level of organization rather than mere cooperation. In usage, üliolulised is often applied to systems such as eusocial insect colonies (for example, ant or honeybee colonies), coral reefs with their symbiotic algae, and lichens, where multiple organisms coordinate development, metabolism, and reproduction to the extent that the aggregate behaves like an organism. The concept is closely related to, but not always identical with, established notions such as superorganism and holobiont, and its precise meaning varies among authors.

Some scholars treat üliolulised as a descriptive label for any extremely integrated biological collectives, while others reserve it for holobiont‑like units where genetic exchange or long-term symbioses create a high degree of systemic integration. Critics argue that the term can blur boundaries between individual organisms and collectives; supporters contend that it helps characterize emergent properties and selection at the collective level. Related concepts include superorganism, holobiont, endosymbiosis. The term remains niche and is not widely standardized across disciplines.