Homeostasis, any self-regulating process by which

biological systems tend to maintain stability while adjusting to

conditions that are optimal for survival. If homeostasis is
successful, life continues; if unsuccessful, disaster or death
ensues. The stability attained is actually a dynamic equilibrium,
in which continuous change occurs yet relatively uniform
conditions prevail. Any system in dynamic equilibrium tends to
reach a steady state, a balance that resists outside forces of
change. When such a system is disturbed, built-in regulatory
devices respond to the departures to establish a new balance;
such a process is one of feedback control. All processes of
integration and coordination of function, whether mediated
by electrical circuits or by nervous and hormonal systems, are
examples of homeostatic regulation. A familiar example of
homeostatic regulation in a mechanical system is the action of
a room-temperature regulator, or thermostat. The heart of the
thermostat is a bimetallic strip that responds to temperature
changes by completing or disrupting an electric circuit. When
the room cools, the circuit is completed, the furnace operates,
and the temperature rises. At a preset level the circuit breaks,
the furnace stops, and the temperature drops. Biological
systems, of greater complexity, however, have regulators only
very roughly comparable to such mechanical devices. The two
types of systems are alike, however, in their goalsto sustain
activity within prescribed ranges, whether to control the
thickness of rolled steel or the pressure within the circulatory
system.

Camouflage is an adaptation that helps an organism blend

in with its surroundings. Blending in helps the animal avoid
predators and increases its ability to survive. Camouflage in the
animal kingdom works in various forms. Organisms may use
their ability to blend in for different reasons, but ultimately it
helps an animal to survive and reproduce.
Camouflage isn't just about color. True, it may be a pattern on
an animals coat or wings that lets it blend in. But it could also
be the ability of an animal to mimic something else.

Camouflage also includes coloration that is noticeable, but

makes a body outline difficult to see.
Usually, animals that use camouflage mimic things a predator
won't notice, such as plants or rocks.
Another form of camouflage is disruptive coloration. This occurs
when an organism stands out against its surroundings, but has
colors that break up its outline. Many animals have stripes or
spots that help them to blend together when in groups. This
makes it difficult for a predator to detect just one of these
animals. When groups of disruptively colored animals are in a
herd, it can make them more difficult to catch. A predator may
lose sight of which animal it had chosen to attack and could get
lost in the moving of the group. Another benefit of camouflage
is seen in the pupa (cocoon) of a moth or butterfly. This life
stage can last weeks, months, or years, depending on the
species. During this life stage, they must stay hidden, as this is
the only defense they have against predators. When you are in
danger of being prey, camouflage can help you avoid predators.
But some predators use camouflage too. Camouflage for a
predator may help that animal to remain unnoticed while
hunting. The ability to stay undetected by prey gives the hunter
the advantage of a surprise attack. Some animals use scent
camouflage. This means they disguise their normal smell with a
different one. They might mimic the smell of another organism
to trick their predators or prey.
A biologic stimulus is any external change in the
environment that can be detected by an organism. The ability
to respond to a stimulus is called irritability and is a necessary
condition for life.
An example of a stimulus is an individual placing a hand on a
hot surface. The temperature is the stimulus, and the individual
then protects themselves by pulling their hand away. Other
stimuli include the ability of an organism to detect the pH,
salinity or light in their environment. All organisms must
maintain homeostasis, a stable internal environment.
Homeostasis can only be achieved through sensing and
responding to the environment.