Final answer:
Organisms maintain stable internal conditions through homeostasis, aided by the coordination of organ systems that respond to internal and external changes to preserve a dynamic equilibrium.
Step-by-step explanation:
An organism benefits from organ systems that work together and communicate because these systems help an organism to maintain homeostasis. The correct answer to the student's question is 'b. maintain homeostasis.' Homeostasis refers to the ability of an organism to keep its internal environment stable, such as temperature, pH, and the concentration of chemicals, in response to changes in its external environment. This dynamic equilibrium is essential for the organism's survival and is achieved through interactions and coordination between various organ systems. Examples of this include thermoregulation, where organisms regulate their body temperature through insulation or heat dissipation.
Specialization of cells and tissues in complex organisms like humans enables these organ systems to carry out more efficient functions related to substrate absorption, gas exchange, waste removal, and thermal regulation, thus supporting the totality of biological activities needed for the life of the organism as a whole.