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

The ability of an organism to maintain a stable internal environment is called homeostasis. This process is vital for the survival of living organisms, as it regulates various physiological parameters such as temperature, pH, and electrolyte concentration, ensuring they remain within narrow ranges suitable for optimal functioning.

Homeostasis involves complex feedback mechanisms that detect changes in the internal environment and activate responses to counteract those changes. For example, when temperature rises, mechanisms such as sweating and increased blood flow to the skin are activated to cool the body down. This constant regulation allows organisms to thrive in varying external conditions.

In contrast, metabolism refers to all chemical reactions that occur within an organism to maintain life, including those involved in energy production and utilization, but it does not specifically address the regulation of internal conditions. Permeability is related to how substances can pass through membranes, which is important but not directly related to the concept of maintaining internal stability. Equilibrium generally refers to a state of balance but does not encompass the dynamic processes involved in regulating internal conditions as homeostasis does.