Final answer:
Homeostasis is the term for the stable internal conditions that organisms maintain, such as temperature and pH, to survive. It includes mechanisms like thermoregulation, where body temperature is regulated to function efficiently.
Step-by-step explanation:
The constant internal physical and chemical conditions that all organisms must maintain to survive are known as homeostasis. This state ensures that vital conditions such as temperature, pH, and chemical concentrations remain within a narrow, stable range despite external environmental changes. For instance, thermoregulation is a process through which organisms control their body temperature. Polar bears, living in cold climates, have insulating structures like fur and blubber to conserve heat, while humans and dogs can perspire or pant to release excess heat in warmer environments. This balance allows cells to function properly and is essential for the survival of all living things.