What is homeostasis?

Homeostasis is defined as the process by which living organisms maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in external conditions. This includes regulating various parameters such as temperature, pH, hydration, and concentrations of different ions and nutrients, allowing cells and organs to function optimally.

By maintaining a constant internal environment, organisms can ensure that biochemical reactions, physiological processes, and overall health are preserved, even when faced with fluctuating external factors like temperature changes or varying availability of resources. This dynamic balance is critical for survival and adaptation.

While maintaining internal temperatures is a part of homeostasis, it does not encompass the full scope of what homeostasis involves, which is much broader. Adjusting body functions to external stressors and maintaining balance in external environments also relate to the organism's response to changes but do not capture the comprehensive nature of homeostasis itself.