What is homeostasis?

Homeostasis refers to the body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes. This includes regulating various physiological processes such as temperature, pH levels, hydration, and electrolyte balance. The significance of homeostasis lies in its critical role in ensuring that the body's systems function optimally, which is essential for overall health and survival. Any deviation from this balance can lead to disorders or diseases.

The other choices focus on specific processes or stages in growth and development. For instance, cell division is a fundamental biological process but does not encompass the broader concept of maintaining internal stability. Similarly, the growth of new tissue and the development of an organism involve specific changes and adaptations that occur as part of life's progression but do not address the continuous regulatory mechanisms that homeostasis entails.