Feedback Loops

Front

What is a feedback loop?

Back

A feedback loop is a biological mechanism that helps maintain homeostasis by regulating physiological processes in response to changes in the environment.

Front

What characteristic of life does a feedback loop best fit?

Back

Homeostasis.

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 role do hormones play in feedback loops?

Back

Hormones are chemical messengers produced by glands that signal cells to make changes or respond in specific ways.

Front

What happens in a negative feedback loop when a variable increases?

Back

In a negative feedback loop, when a variable increases past its normal state, mechanisms are activated to decrease it back to its normal level.

Front

What is an example of a negative feedback loop in the human body?

Back

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

Front

What is the purpose of shivering when the environment gets cold?

Back

Shivering generates heat to increase body temperature and maintain homeostasis.

Front

What happens if cooling mechanisms are not activated in a body temperature feedback loop?

Back

The body would not cool down, potentially leading to overheating.

Front

What is the difference between positive and negative feedback loops?

Back

Negative feedback loops work to stabilize a system by reducing changes, while positive feedback loops amplify changes, moving the system away from its starting state.

Front

Can you give an example of a positive feedback loop?

Back

An example of a positive feedback loop is the process of childbirth, where the release of oxytocin increases contractions, leading to more oxytocin release.