Negative feedback — Science definition
Defined in 3 courses:
- A response that opposes the deviation that triggered it — too hot leads to cooling — which is the only arrangement that produces stability. (Life Science & Scientific Inquiry)
- A loop in which the response reverses the change, pushing the condition back toward its set point. Most homeostasis uses it. (Life Science: Biology)
- A response that counteracts a change in a regulated condition. (Life Science: Biology)
Where it is taught
- Homeostasis, Feedback & Interacting Systems — Coordination, Defense & Reproduction, Life Science & Scientific Inquiry, Grade 7
- Homeostasis & Feedback — Body Systems, Signals & Homeostasis, Life Science: Biology, Grade 10
- Cell Signals & Feedback — Body Systems, Signals & Homeostasis, Life Science: Biology, Grade 10
In use
The useful kind for stability is negative feedback, where a deviation triggers a response that reduces it.
Homeostasis, Feedback & Interacting Systems
The most common kind of loop is negative feedback, in which the response reverses the change that triggered it — the word 'negative' means opposing, not bad.
Homeostasis & Feedback
Negative feedback counteracts a deviation; positive feedback amplifies a change until an ending process intervenes.
Cell Signals & Feedback
Questions using negative feedback
Problem 1
Answer and explanation
Its effect opposes the initial deviation in the regulated condition.
Problem 2
Answer and explanation
Negative describes opposition to a deviation. It does not label the process morally or medically harmful.
Response criteria
- Explain the relevant biological process accurately.
- Use the supplied evidence and show calculation steps with units where needed.
- Connect a labeled model or mechanism with the claim.
- State an assumption, evidence limitation, or useful next observation.
Problem 3
- A response counteracts the original rise
- A number is called negative
- Every signal stops
- The deviation is always amplified
Answer and explanation
A response counteracts the original rise
The defining relationship is opposition to the initial deviation.
Problem 4
- permanently raises the set point
- reverses the change and pushes the condition back toward its set point
- amplifies the change until a process finishes
- has no effect on the condition
Answer and explanation
reverses the change and pushes the condition back toward its set point
Negative feedback counteracts (reverses) the change, restoring the set point — the most common form of homeostatic control.