Which term refers to maintaining stable internal conditions in an organism?

• A. Evolution
• B. Development
• C. Homeostasis
• D. Characteristics of Life

Answer: (C)

Maintaining stable internal conditions in an organism is homeostasis. This idea means keeping variables like body temperature, pH, glucose levels, and fluid balance within narrow limits, even when the outside environment changes. The body achieves this through feedback mechanisms, usually negative feedback, that detect a deviation and trigger responses to restore balance—for example, sweating or shivering to regulate temperature, or insulin and glucagon adjusting blood sugar levels. The other terms describe different concepts: evolution is about genetic changes in populations over generations, development is growth and maturation within an individual, and characteristics of life list the general features living beings share. So homeostasis is the best fit for maintaining internal stability.