What is homeostasis?

Homeostasis refers to the ability of an organism to maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in external conditions. This involves various physiological processes that regulate factors such as temperature, pH, hydration, and levels of nutrients and waste products. For example, humans maintain an approximate body temperature of 98.6°F (37°C) through mechanisms like sweating or shivering, depending on external temperatures. This stable internal climate is crucial for optimal functioning of cells and overall health, enabling organisms to survive under varying conditions.

The other options represent different biological concepts: growth and reproduction highlight the life cycle of organisms but do not specifically address internal stability. Cellular respiration is a metabolic process that converts glucose into energy but is not directly related to the maintenance of internal conditions. Evolutionary adaptation refers to the changes over generations that improve survival in a particular environment but does not focus on the immediate regulation of an organism's internal state.