Environmental Science: Earth as a Living Planet (9th Edition)

Published by Wiley
ISBN 10: 1118427327
ISBN 13: 978-1-11842-732-3

Chapter 4 - The Big Picture: Systems of Change - Study Questions - Page 79: 1

Answer

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Work Step by Step

The difference between positive and negative feedback in systems is as follows: Negative Feedback: - Negative feedback occurs when an increase or decrease in the output of a system leads to a response that counteracts the initial change, resulting in stabilization or self-regulation. - In negative feedback, an increase in output leads to a decrease in output, or a decrease in output leads to an increase in output. - A good example of negative feedback is human temperature regulation. When you get hot (increase in temperature), your body responds by sweating (cooling), which decreases your temperature and helps maintain homeostasis. Positive Feedback: - Positive feedback occurs when an increase or decrease in the output of a system leads to a response that amplifies the initial change, resulting in destabilization or escalation. - In positive feedback, an increase in output leads to a further increase in output, or a decrease in output leads to a further decrease in output. - An example of positive feedback is a forest fire. Once a fire starts, it dries out surrounding wood, which leads to more burning and further drying of wood, creating a larger and more intense fire. Positive feedback amplifies the fire's growth and can create a vicious cycle.
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