7. Define homeostasis.

Answer

Homeostasis is the process by which biological systems maintain a relatively stable internal environment despite changes in external conditions. It involves a dynamic equilibrium where physiological variables, such as body temperature, blood pH, and glucose levels, are kept within a specific range necessary for the organism's survival. This is typically achieved through feedback loops, where a sensor detects a stimulus, a control center processes the information, and an effector triggers a response to return the system to its set point.