Which term describes the process of achieving stability through change to adapt to stressors?

The term that best describes the process of achieving stability through change in response to stressors is allostasis. Allostasis refers to the body's ability to maintain stability through dynamic change, particularly in the face of stressors. Unlike homeostasis, which focuses on maintaining a constant internal environment, allostasis recognizes that the body must adjust its physiological parameters as conditions fluctuate to maintain equilibrium and health.

For instance, when faced with stress, the body might alter heart rate, hormone levels, and metabolic processes to meet the demands of the situation. This adaptive process allows for a flexible response to changing circumstances, helping organisms survive and thrive despite environmental challenges.

Homeostasis, while related, specifically emphasizes the maintenance of a stable internal environment without necessarily considering the adaptive changes that occur in response to stress. Meanwhile, equilibrium refers to a state of balance rather than the active process of adaptation. Lastly, adaptation is a broader term that encompasses the changes organisms make over time to survive in their environment but does not specifically imply the continuous, dynamic adjustments associated with allostasis.