Systems of the Biosphere

Question 2 • 26-27 - C - RUSD Environmental Science S1

What is the main difference between negative and positive feedback?

Answer

Positive feedback leads to system instability, while negative feedback leads to system stability.

Positive feedback is caused by human impact, while negative feedback occurs naturally.

Negative feedback ultimately leads to an increase in the first variable, while positive feedback ultimately leads to a decrease in the first variable.

Positive feedback occurs at a much faster rate than negative feedback.

Explanation

Positive feedback amplifies an initial change, which can push a system farther from its starting condition and make it unstable. Negative feedback counteracts the initial change, tending to keep the system stable. So the main difference is described by choice A: positive feedback leads to system instability, while negative feedback leads to system stability.

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