How is homeostasis best defined?

Homeostasis is best defined as the maintenance of a stable internal environment in an organism. This concept is fundamental in biology because it describes how living systems regulate their internal conditions to maintain a constant state, despite changes in the external environment.

For example, humans maintain homeostasis by regulating body temperature, pH levels, and glucose concentration in the blood. Various physiological processes, such as sweating, shivering, and hormone release, work together to keep these variables within a narrow, optimal range, allowing the organism to function effectively.

This definition emphasizes the importance of balance and regulation in biological systems, which is essential for survival. Maintaining homeostasis is critical for the proper functioning of cells, tissues, and organs, enabling organisms to respond to various stimuli while maintaining overall stability.