What is the process called when organisms maintain stable internal conditions despite external changes?

Homeostasis is the process by which organisms regulate and maintain stable internal conditions such as temperature, pH, and concentration of various ions, despite changes in their external environment. This regulation is vital for the survival of organisms, as it ensures that physiological processes function optimally.

For example, when the external temperature rises, humans sweat to cool down, maintaining a stable internal body temperature. Similarly, when it becomes cold, they may shiver to generate heat. Homeostasis involves various systems and feedback mechanisms that work together to keep internal conditions stable, ensuring that cells and organs can perform their functions effectively regardless of external fluctuations.

The other concepts mentioned do not specifically refer to the maintenance of internal stability. Metabolism refers to the chemical processes that occur within a living organism to maintain life, adaptation describes how species change over time through evolution to better survive in their environments, and absorption involves the intake of nutrients or substances by organisms.