What is homeostasis?

Homeostasis refers to the mechanisms and processes that organisms use to maintain stable internal conditions despite changes in their external environment. This includes regulating factors such as temperature, pH, hydration levels, and nutrient concentrations, ensuring that the internal environment remains conducive to life.

For example, humans maintain a body temperature around 98.6°F (37°C) through processes like sweating to cool down or shivering to generate heat. This stability is crucial for optimal cellular function and overall health.

The other choices deal with different biological concepts that do not pertain directly to homeostasis. Energy production in cells is related to cellular respiration and metabolism, while the reduction of cell division pertains to growth and development, and the transmission of genes through generations relates to genetics and heredity. None of these options capture the essence of maintaining stable internal conditions, which is the fundamental concept of homeostasis.