What type of feedback loop causes a system to change in the opposite direction?

A negative feedback loop is a process in which a system responds to a change by initiating responses that counteract the initial change, effectively driving the system back toward its equilibrium or set point. This mechanism is crucial in maintaining stability within biological, ecological, and mechanical systems.

For instance, in the context of human physiology, when body temperature rises, the body activates responses such as sweating to cool down, which reduces the temperature back toward the normal range. Similarly, in ecological systems, a predator-prey relationship may see prey populations increase, leading to a rise in predator populations. As the predator population grows, it will eventually lead to a decrease in the prey population, pulling the system back toward balance.

This principle of opposition is what defines a negative feedback loop, ensuring that changes in one direction trigger compensatory responses that aim to mitigate those changes. In contrast, positive feedback loops enhance and amplify changes, leading to accelerated progression away from the original state. Balanced feedback loops suggest equilibrium but are not typically used in this specific context, while adaptive feedback loops indicate a system’s ability to adjust to changing conditions, often involving learning processes rather than opposing changes.