What is the term for the stability of internal conditions in an organism?

The term that describes the stability of internal conditions in an organism is homeostasis. This concept refers to the various physiological processes that organisms utilize to maintain a stable internal environment, despite changes in external conditions. Homeostasis is crucial for survival as it regulates factors such as temperature, pH balance, hydration levels, and other vital conditions necessary for the proper functioning of biological systems.

The ability to maintain homeostasis allows organisms to thrive in a variety of environments and respond effectively to stressors. For example, humans regulate body temperature through sweating or shivering, depending on whether they need to cool down or warm up.

The other terms listed, while related to biological processes, do not refer to the stability of internal conditions. Metabolism pertains to the chemical processes that occur within a living organism to maintain life, evolution involves changes in populations of organisms over generations, and adaptation refers to the adjustments organisms make in response to their environment, which can contribute to evolution but does not specifically address internal stability.