Question

Explain how organisms avoid reaching equilibrium while maintaining a nonequilibrium steady state.

Short answer

Equilibrium is not attained in living beings as the organisms are continuously creating and utilizing energy.

Step-by-step solution

Living things and equilibrium.

Living things are in a steady state in spite of not being in equilibrium. Substances such as gases, nutrients, hormones etc. flow from their higher concentration to lower concentration until equilibrium is attained.

Equilibrium cannot be attained since living creatures work continuously. Various metabolic processes in the body create energy on a constant basis, at the same time this energy is utilized for different activities.This allows for homeostasis to be maintained without reaching equilibrium.

Energy flow in an ecosystem

A good example of this is the flow of energy in an ecosystem, which is constantly changing and is quickly restored to a stable state after interruptions.