Final answer:
A biological cycle that lasts about 24 hours is called a circadian cycle, which is regulated by an internal biological clock and includes physiological processes like the sleep-wake cycle.
Step-by-step explanation:
A biological cycle, or rhythm, that is approximately 24 hours long is called a circadian cycle. These are internal rhythms of biological activity that repeat on a roughly 24-hour schedule, manifesting in various physiological processes and behaviors. For example, our sleep-wake cycle, heart rate, and body temperature all follow a circadian rhythm closely linked with the light-dark cycle of our environment. Circadian rhythms are regulated by a biological clock found in the brain, and despite external conditions, these natural cycles persist, demonstrating their innate nature.