Which of the following best characterizes the exhaustion stage in General Adaptation Syndrome?

• A. The body initially reacts to a stressor with heightened alertness and energy.
• B. The body actively resists the stressor by maintaining elevated physiological function.
• C. The body’s adaptive mechanisms fail, leading to depleted energy and increased vulnerability to illness.
• D. The body returns to homeostasis after successfully coping with the stressor.

Answer: (C)