Which characteristic of life best describes the process of homeostasis?

• A. Reproduction by producing genetically identical or genetically varied offspring
• B. Growth through an increase in the number of cells via cell division
• C. Evolution of populations over generations through changes in allele frequencies
• D. Regulation of internal conditions to maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of homeostasis: it refers to the ability of an organism to regulate its internal environment to maintain a stable, constant condition despite changes in the external environment.
2. Review the given options and identify which one aligns with the idea of maintaining internal stability rather than processes like reproduction, growth, or evolution.
3. Recognize that reproduction involves producing offspring, which is about passing genetic information, not maintaining internal balance.
4. Note that growth involves an increase in cell number or size, which is a developmental process, not directly related to internal regulation.
5. Identify that evolution refers to changes in populations over generations, which is a long-term genetic process, not an immediate internal regulation mechanism; therefore, the characteristic best describing homeostasis is the regulation of internal conditions to maintain a stable internal environment.