GED Science Practice

What term describes the metabolic equilibrium actively maintained by complex biological mechanisms offsetting disrupting changes?

1. Homosapiens

2. Homogenize

3. Hard water

4. Homeostasis

The correct answer is: Homeostasis

Homeostasis refers to the processes and mechanisms that living organisms use to maintain a stable internal environment, despite changes in external conditions. This balance is essential for various physiological functions to occur optimally, including temperature regulation, pH balance, and fluid pressure. For example, when body temperature rises due to external heat, mechanisms such as sweating and increased blood flow to the skin activate to lower the temperature, illustrating how the body actively works to counteract the disruption. Similarly, if blood sugar levels drop, the body can release glucose from stored glycogen to restore normal levels. In contrast, other options do not pertain to this concept. For instance, the term that describes modern humans does not relate to biological balance and mechanisms. The concept of homogenization involves making a mixture uniform or consistent but lacks relevance to maintaining metabolic equilibrium. Lastly, hard water refers to water with high mineral content, unrelated to biological processes. Overall, homeostasis is crucial for sustaining life by enabling organisms to adapt and thrive in diverse environments.