Positive and Negative Feedback Loops

Front

What is a negative feedback loop?

Back

A negative feedback loop is a process that counteracts a change in a system, helping to maintain stability. For example, maintaining body temperature.

Front

What is a positive feedback loop?

Back

A positive feedback loop is a process that amplifies changes in a system, moving it towards an extreme. For example, the melting of ice due to global warming.

Front

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

Back

An example is the regulation of body temperature: when the body gets too hot, mechanisms like sweating are activated to cool it down.

Front

Give an example of a positive feedback loop in nature.

Back

An example is childbirth: the release of oxytocin increases contractions, which leads to more oxytocin being released.

Front

What happens during a positive feedback loop?

Back

During a positive feedback loop, the output of a process enhances or increases the initial stimulus, leading to an exponential effect.

Front

What is the role of feedback loops in homeostasis?

Back

Feedback loops help maintain homeostasis by regulating internal conditions, such as temperature and pH levels.

Front

How does a negative feedback loop contribute to stability?

Back

A negative feedback loop contributes to stability by reducing the output or effect of a process, thus returning the system to its set point.

Front

What is an example of a positive feedback loop in climate change?

Back

An example is the melting of polar ice: as ice melts, darker ocean water is exposed, absorbing more heat and causing further melting.

Front

What is the difference between positive and negative feedback loops?

Back

Positive feedback loops amplify changes, while negative feedback loops counteract changes to maintain stability.

Front

What is an example of a negative feedback loop in temperature regulation?

Back

When body temperature rises, the body sweats to cool down, which is a negative feedback response.