What term describes the maintenance of a stable internal environment in an organism?

Homeostasis is the term that describes the maintenance of a stable internal environment in an organism. This concept is crucial for survival, as it allows organisms to regulate their internal conditions, such as temperature, pH levels, hydration, and electrolyte balance, despite external environmental changes.

For example, in humans, processes like sweating help to cool the body down when temperatures rise, while mechanisms such as shivering generate heat when it gets too cold. Homeostasis involves various feedback systems and physiological processes that work together to ensure that the internal environment remains within optimal limits for cellular function and overall health.

Other terms provided do not relate to maintaining stable internal conditions. Metabolism refers to the biochemical processes that convert food into energy and build or break down molecules, while symbiosis describes interactions between different species, such as mutualism or parasitism. Fermentation is a specific metabolic process that occurs in some organisms under anaerobic conditions to convert sugars into acids, gases, or alcohol.