What is meant by the term "homeostasis"?

Homeostasis refers to the process by which living organisms maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in external conditions. This involves mechanisms that regulate temperature, pH, hydration, and various metabolic processes to ensure that the body's systems function optimally. For example, humans maintain a core body temperature around 98.6°F (37°C), and if the temperature rises or falls beyond a certain point, the body will initiate responses such as sweating or shivering to restore balance.

The concept of homeostasis is crucial for survival, as it allows organisms to adapt to fluctuating environmental conditions while ensuring their internal processes remain stable. This is distinct from simply reproducing in stable conditions, adapting to environmental changes, or responding to external stimuli, which all represent different biological processes but do not capture the essence of maintaining internal equilibrium that characterizes homeostasis.