What does homeostasis mean in biological organisms?

Homeostasis refers to the processes that biological organisms use to maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in external conditions. This involves regulating various factors such as temperature, pH levels, hydration, and nutrient balance to ensure optimal functioning of cells and overall stability within the organism. This regulatory capability is crucial for survival, as even small deviations from the optimal internal conditions can impair physiological functions.

In contrast, the other options represent different biological concepts. The growth process pertains to the physical development and increase in size of an organism, reproductive success focuses on the ability of an organism to produce viable offspring, and environmental adaptation refers to changes organisms undergo in response to their surroundings for better survival and reproduction. None of these concepts describe the specific regulatory processes embodied by homeostasis.