Which statement describes homeostasis?
Options:
It is a process of maintaining an external state of balance for an organism
It is a process of maintaining an internal state of balance for an organism
It is how an organism reacts to internal factors
It is how an organism reacts to external facts
The statement that describes homeostasis is: "It is a process of maintaining an internal state of balance for an organism."
The correct statement that describes homeostasis is:
"It is a process of maintaining an internal state of balance for an organism."
The correct statement that describes homeostasis is: "It is a process of maintaining an internal state of balance for an organism."
To understand why this is the correct statement, let's breakdown the options:
1. "It is a process of maintaining an external state of balance for an organism." - This option is incorrect because homeostasis primarily deals with the internal state of an organism, rather than the external state.
2. "It is a process of maintaining an internal state of balance for an organism." - This is the correct statement. Homeostasis refers to the body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in the external environment. It involves regulating various biological processes such as temperature, pH, fluid balance, and nutrient levels to keep them within a narrow range required for optimal functioning.
3. "It is how an organism reacts to internal factors." - This statement is not a complete description of homeostasis. While homeostasis does involve reacting to and counteracting internal factors to maintain balance, it also includes proactive mechanisms that anticipate and prevent deviations from optimal internal conditions.
4. "It is how an organism reacts to external facts." - This option is incorrect because homeostasis primarily focuses on the organism's internal reactions and adjustments to maintain balance, rather than external facts.
In summary, homeostasis refers to the process of maintaining an internal state of balance for an organism by regulating and adjusting various physiological processes.