For the human body to function correctly, the right amount of sugar must be present in the blood. Several hormones are produced by the body as part of a mechanism to counteract changes in blood sugar so that the amount of sugar remains relatively constant.

Which characteristic of life does this situation exemplify?

a)adaptation

b)irritability

c)energy

d)homostasis

From time to time, changes occur in the external environment of living systems. However, these living systems use internally controlled mechanisms to maintain or regulate the condition of their internal environment. This ability of a living organism to maintain the balance of its internal environment despite changes in its external environment is referred to as HOMEOSTASIS. Organisms need certain internal conditions to be met in order to function optimally.

This is the case of the blood, which needs a stable and regulated concentration of sugar to function well. In order to maintain the sugar balance in blood cells despite changes in its surrounding environment, several hormones are produced in order to act against a change in concentration level of sugar, hence, maintaining a constant level. This process depicts the body of humans using internally controlled substance (hormones) to maintain the conditions of its internal environment (blood sugar levels). Hence, the body is undergoing HOMEOSTASIS.