Chapter 1 - Studying Life - 1.1 - Living Organisms Share Similarities and a Common Origin - 1.1 Recap - Learning Outcomes - Page 12: 4

Homeostasis refers to the relative stability of an organism when compared to its external surroundings. Homeostasis is importance because it ensures an individual maintains a range of physiological conditions that allows the organism to function properly. For example, sweating is an adaptation of mammals that allows us to cool down to an appropriate temperature when our bodies overheat from exercise or warm temperatures.

Homeostasis refers to the relative stability of an organism when compared to its external surroundings. Homeostasis is importance because it ensures an individual maintains a range of physiological conditions that allows the organism to function properly. For example, sweating is an adaptation of mammals that allows us to cool down to an appropriate temperature when our bodies overheat from exercise or warm temperatures.