Feedback loops

Question 1

Define feedback loop

Answer 1

Result from 1 process giving rise to another, which then causes the original process to accelerate or diminish

Question 2

Explain why feedback loops are important for maintaining dynamic equilibrium

Answer 2

negative loops- as they respond to changes + restore balance + prevent collapse of system

Question 3

Define positive feedback loop

Answer 3

Accelerates a natural response (doesn’t mean positive effects)
- i.e. makes a change stronger/bigger (pushing system away from natural state)

Question 4

Example of positive feedback loop

Answer 4

more ice melts > less sunlight reflected > more heat absorbed > more ice melts

Question 5

Define negative feedback loop

Answer 5

Reduce effect of a change, keeping system stable

Question 6

Example negative feedback loop

Answer 6

Prey numbers rise > predators eat more > prey numbers decrease > predator numbers fall > prey numbers rise again

Question 7

T or F- human activities can result in feedback loops occuring

Answer 7

T
Can disrupt negative (i.e. overfishing disrupts predator-prey) or trigger positive (fossil fuels > warming)

Question 8

Would vegetation loss result in negative or positive feedback loop?

Answer 8

Positive- soil continues losing nutrients through leaching, but nutrient replacement no longer takes place. This means soil less able to support vegetation- fewer nutrients added and cycle continues until ability of soil to support life is lost

Question 9

What are positive and negative feedback loops in relation to climate change?

Answer 9

Positive feedback loops= things that accelerate warming
Negative feedback loops= decelerate warming