Each subsequent element partakes of the attribute or attributes of the preceding one in addition to its own. The (three) supplementary entities exist in all living creatures. The Rishis thus described the five elements and the effects and qualities emanating from or belonging to them.
गन्धश्चेवेन्द्रियार्थोऽयं विज्ञेयः पृथिवीमयः। उत्तरेषु गुणाः सन्ति सर्वसत्त्वेषु चोत्तराः॥ पञ्चानां भूतसंघानां संततिं मुनयो विदुः।