Final answer:
Organisms respond to changes in their environment through various mechanisms, such as moving towards light or food and away from danger, and maintain internal balance using feedback systems like sweating to regulate body temperature.
Step-by-step explanation:
How Organisms Respond to Environmental Changes
Organisms continually interact with their environment and respond to changes in various ways. For instance, they may react to alterations in light, heat, and sound, as well as to chemical and mechanical contact. Organisms possess specific structures, such as eyes, ears, and taste buds, that allow them to receive environmental information and respond accordingly.
An example of an organism responding to the environment is a turtle retracting into its shell when threatened or a plant exhibiting phototropism, which is the movement toward light. Another response is seen in animals moving towards sources of food and water or away from danger. These responses to external stimuli help organisms survive by adapting to changes in their surroundings.
In addition to responses to external stimuli, organisms maintain their internal balance through feedback mechanisms. For example, when a human's body temperature rises, responses such as sweating and the dilation of blood vessels help to cool the body down. This feedback system is essential for maintaining homeostasis in the face of external environmental changes.