What type of feedback promotes stability by counteracting deviations from equilibrium?

Negative feedback promotes stability in biological systems by counteracting deviations from a set point or equilibrium. This mechanism works by detecting changes from a normal range and initiating responses that reverse those changes, bringing the system back to its intended state.

For instance, in human body temperature regulation, if the body temperature rises above the normal range, mechanisms such as sweating and increased blood flow to the skin are activated to cool the body down. Conversely, if the body temperature drops, shivering and other responses are triggered to raise the temperature back to normal.

This feedback loop is essential for maintaining homeostasis, ensuring that physiological parameters stay within optimal ranges despite external changes or internal fluctuations. The continuous adjustments made by each negative feedback loop help stabilize the system, making it resilient to perturbations.

In contrast, positive feedback amplifies changes and moves a system away from equilibrium, which can be beneficial in processes such as childbirth but does not contribute to overall stability in the same way that negative feedback does. Neutral or reinforcing feedback does not actively work to counteract deviations, which further differentiates it from the stabilizing effects of negative feedback.