What is the ability of an organism to maintain a stable internal environment called?

What is the ability of an organism to maintain a stable internal environment called?

• A. Homeostasis
• B. Metabolism
• C. Permeability
• D. Equilibrium

Answer: (A)

The ability of an organism to maintain a stable internal environment is known as homeostasis. This term encompasses the various processes and mechanisms that organisms use to regulate their internal conditions, such as temperature, pH, hydration, and the concentration of ions and nutrients, despite external changes in the environment. Homeostasis is crucial for survival because it allows organisms to function optimally under varying conditions. For example, a human body maintains a temperature around 37°C (98.6°F) through processes like sweating or shivering. This ability to control internal conditions is vital for biochemical reactions, cellular function, and overall health. Metabolism, while related to the chemical processes within an organism, does not specifically refer to the maintenance of internal stability. Rather, it involves the conversion of food into energy and the assimilation of nutrients. Permeability refers to the ability of substances to pass through membranes and does not relate to internal regulation. Equilibrium generally refers to a state of balance, but it is not synonymous with the dynamic processes that maintain homeostasis.

The ability of an organism to maintain a stable internal environment is known as homeostasis. This term encompasses the various processes and mechanisms that organisms use to regulate their internal conditions, such as temperature, pH, hydration, and the concentration of ions and nutrients, despite external changes in the environment.

Homeostasis is crucial for survival because it allows organisms to function optimally under varying conditions. For example, a human body maintains a temperature around 37°C (98.6°F) through processes like sweating or shivering. This ability to control internal conditions is vital for biochemical reactions, cellular function, and overall health.

Metabolism, while related to the chemical processes within an organism, does not specifically refer to the maintenance of internal stability. Rather, it involves the conversion of food into energy and the assimilation of nutrients. Permeability refers to the ability of substances to pass through membranes and does not relate to internal regulation. Equilibrium generally refers to a state of balance, but it is not synonymous with the dynamic processes that maintain homeostasis.