AP Bio Topic 4.6 Homeostasis & Feedback Loops

Front

What is homeostasis?

Back

Homeostasis is the process by which living organisms maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in external conditions.

Front

What is a feedback loop?

Back

A feedback loop is a biological mechanism in which the output of a system influences its own operation, often to maintain homeostasis.

Front

What is a positive feedback loop?

Back

A positive feedback loop is a process that amplifies the effects of a change, moving a system towards an extreme.

Front

What is a negative feedback loop?

Back

A negative feedback loop is a process that counteracts a change, helping to maintain stability in a system.

Front

Give an example of a positive feedback loop in biology.

Back

An example of a positive feedback loop is the process of blood clotting, where the accumulation of platelets leads to more platelets being attracted to the site of injury.

Front

Give an example of a negative feedback loop in the human body.

Back

An example of a negative feedback loop is the regulation of body temperature; when the body temperature rises, mechanisms like sweating are activated to cool it down.

Front

What role does a thermostat play in a negative feedback loop?

Back

A thermostat regulates temperature by switching heating or cooling systems on or off to maintain a set temperature, demonstrating a negative feedback loop.

Front

How do organisms respond to cold environments?

Back

Organisms may shiver to generate heat, which is a response to increase body temperature in cold environments.

Front

What is the significance of feedback loops in maintaining homeostasis?

Back

Feedback loops are crucial for maintaining homeostasis as they help regulate physiological processes and ensure stability in the internal environment.

Front

What happens during a positive feedback loop?

Back

During a positive feedback loop, a change in a system triggers mechanisms that further enhance that change, leading to an even greater deviation from the norm.