What term refers to the biological process of maintaining stable internal conditions in an organism?

The correct term for the biological process of maintaining stable internal conditions in an organism is homeostasis. This concept is crucial for the survival of organisms as it encompasses various physiological processes that regulate temperature, pH, hydration, and other critical factors within a narrow range optimal for function.

Homeostasis is essential because organisms encounter changes in their internal and external environments and need to adjust their physiological processes accordingly. For example, when temperatures rise or fall, mechanisms such as sweating or shivering are triggered to help return the body to its normal temperature range.

In contrast, metabolism refers to the chemical processes that occur within a living organism to maintain life, including both the breakdown of substances to produce energy and the synthesis of necessary compounds. Adaptation involves the changes in organisms that enhance their survival in response to environmental changes over long periods, rather than immediate internal regulation. Pathophysiology examines the functional changes that occur in the body as a result of disease, which may disrupt homeostasis rather than maintain it.