Feedback Loops in Earth's Systems

Match the following descriptions with their corresponding feedback loop types in Earth's systems.

• 4) Positive feedback loop

• A) A process where the output of a system influences its own input

• 1) Feedback loop in Earth's systems

• D) A system that only amplifies changes

• 2) Thermometer usage

• B) A method to measure temperature changes

• 3) Negative feedback loop

• C) A cycle that only dampens changes within a system

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Which of the following is an example of a positive feedback loop?

• A) Ice melting exposes darker ocean water, absorbing more heat

• B) Sweating cools the skin, lowering body temperature

• C) Trees absorbing carbon dioxide

• D) Clouds reflecting sunlight

Answer explanation

A) Ice melting exposes darker ocean water, which absorbs more heat, leading to further ice melting. This creates a positive feedback loop, as each step amplifies the next, increasing the overall effect.

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NGSS.HS-ESS2-2

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How does a negative feedback loop function?

• A) It counteracts changes to stabilize a system

• B) It amplifies changes in the same direction

• C) It only affects the atmosphere

• D) It increases global temperatures

Answer explanation

A negative feedback loop functions by counteracting changes, helping to stabilize a system. This means that when a change occurs, the loop works to reverse that change, maintaining balance, which aligns with choice A.

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NGSS.HS-LS1-3

What happens when your body temperature drops in a negative feedback loop?

• A) You stop sweating

• B) You start shivering

• C) You sweat more

• D) Your heart rate increases

Answer explanation

When body temperature drops, the body initiates a negative feedback loop. You stop sweating (A) to conserve heat, while shivering (B) generates warmth. Sweating more (C) and increased heart rate (D) are not responses to cold.

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NGSS.HS-LS1-3

What is the role of evaporation in the water cycle?

• It forms clouds by releasing water from the atmosphere.

• It releases water back to the surface as rain or snow.

• It causes water to seep into the ground, replenishing aquifers.

• It absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Answer explanation

Evaporation is crucial in the water cycle as it transforms liquid water into vapor, which then rises and cools to form clouds. This process is essential for precipitation, making the correct choice about cloud formation.

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NGSS.HS-ESS2-5

How does increased evaporation affect the atmosphere in the water cycle?

• It decreases the amount of greenhouse gases.

• It leads to more water vapor, which is a greenhouse gas.

• It reduces the temperature of the atmosphere.

• It prevents the formation of clouds.

Answer explanation

Increased evaporation adds more water vapor to the atmosphere. Water vapor is a greenhouse gas, which contributes to the greenhouse effect and can lead to warming, making the correct choice "It leads to more water vapor, which is a greenhouse gas."

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What is a positive feedback loop in the water cycle?

• It decreases the effects of climate change.

• It reduces the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere.

• It intensifies the effects of climate change by increasing evaporation.

• It stops the formation of clouds.

Answer explanation

A positive feedback loop in the water cycle occurs when increased evaporation leads to more water vapor in the atmosphere, which traps heat and intensifies climate change, making the correct choice: it intensifies the effects of climate change by increasing evaporation.

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NGSS.HS-ESS2-2

In the carbon cycle, what process do plants use to absorb carbon dioxide?

• Respiration

• Decomposition

• Photosynthesis

• Evaporation

Answer explanation

Plants absorb carbon dioxide through the process of photosynthesis, where they convert CO2 and sunlight into glucose and oxygen, playing a crucial role in the carbon cycle.

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What happens to carbon dioxide when animals consume plants?

• It is absorbed into the soil.

• It is released back into the atmosphere when they breathe out.

• It is converted into oxygen.

• It is stored in their bodies permanently.

Answer explanation

When animals consume plants, they metabolize the carbon compounds and release carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere during respiration. This process is essential for maintaining the carbon cycle.

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NGSS.HS-LS1-7

What is a positive feedback loop in the context of the Arctic and permafrost?

• A process where melting permafrost leads to more greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

• A process that stabilizes the climate by reducing greenhouse gases.

• A loop that decreases temperatures in the Arctic region.

• A feedback mechanism that prevents permafrost from thawing.

Answer explanation

A positive feedback loop in the Arctic occurs when changes, like permafrost thawing, release greenhouse gases, leading to further warming and more thawing. This illustrates how one change can amplify others, making the correct choice accurate.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-2