Biology Flashcards: Distinguish Feedback Mechanism Types

What this deck covers

This deck focuses on Distinguish Feedback Mechanism Types, giving you a quick way to review the definitions, rules, and examples that matter most for Biology.

How to use these flashcards

Work through these flashcards in short sessions. Try to answer each prompt before flipping the card, then revisit any cards you miss until the explanation feels automatic.

Flashcard 1: What is the typical outcome of negative feedback on the regulated variable over time?

Answer: Stabilization near the set point (reduced deviation). Variables return to optimal ranges.

Flashcard 2: Which feedback type produces a change in the same direction as the initial stimulus?

Answer: Positive feedback. It reinforces the original change direction.

Flashcard 3: Which feedback type is more likely to cause instability if it is not terminated appropriately?

Answer: Positive feedback. It can escalate uncontrollably without limits.

Flashcard 4: Which feedback type typically drives a process rapidly to completion rather than stabilizing it?

Answer: Positive feedback. It accelerates rather than stabilizes processes.

Flashcard 5: Which feedback type is most commonly used to maintain internal stability in organisms?

Answer: Negative feedback. Most biological processes use this for stability.

Flashcard 6: What is the defining feature of a negative feedback mechanism in homeostasis?

Answer: A response reduces the initial stimulus and returns toward a set point. This counteracts changes to maintain stability.

Flashcard 7: What is the main purpose of negative feedback loops in living systems?

Answer: To maintain homeostasis by keeping variables within narrow limits. It ensures stability of vital parameters.

Flashcard 8: Identify the feedback type: A variable decreases, and the effector response causes it to decrease further.

Answer: Positive feedback. Response amplifies the initial decrease.

Flashcard 9: Identify the feedback type: A variable decreases, and the effector response causes it to increase.

Answer: Negative feedback. Response opposes the initial decrease.

Flashcard 10: Identify the feedback type: A variable increases, and the effector response causes it to increase further.

Answer: Positive feedback. Response amplifies the initial increase.

Flashcard 11: Identify the feedback type: A variable increases, and the effector response causes it to decrease.

Answer: Negative feedback. Response opposes the initial increase.

Flashcard 12: What is the key criterion to classify a loop as positive or negative feedback?

Answer: Whether the response amplifies or reduces the initial change in the variable. Direction determines the feedback type.

Flashcard 13: Identify the feedback type: After ovulation, hormones inhibit further LH release to stabilize the cycle.

Answer: Negative feedback. Hormones oppose further LH release.

Flashcard 14: Identify the feedback type: Rising estrogen near ovulation triggers an LH surge that increases ovulation signals.

Answer: Positive feedback. Estrogen amplifies the ovulation signal.

Flashcard 15: Choose the word that completes the statement: In positive feedback, the response is   to the stimulus.

Answer: Reinforcing (amplifying). Response enhances the original change.

Flashcard 16: Choose the word that completes the statement: In negative feedback, the response is   to the stimulus.

Answer: Opposing (counteracting). Response works against the original change.

Flashcard 17: Which feedback type is commonly associated with rapid events like action potentials and clotting cascades?

Answer: Positive feedback. It drives rapid, all-or-nothing responses.

Flashcard 18: Which feedback type is most associated with maintaining homeostasis of temperature, glucose, and pH?

Answer: Negative feedback. It maintains stable internal conditions.

Flashcard 19: Identify the feedback type: Low oxygen triggers increased red blood cell production to raise oxygen capacity.

Answer: Negative feedback. Cell production opposes the oxygen deficit.

Flashcard 20: Identify the feedback type: Bright light causes pupil constriction, reducing light entering the eye.

Answer: Negative feedback. Pupil response opposes the light increase.

Flashcard 21: Identify the feedback type: Decreased CO$_2$ in blood decreases breathing rate to raise CO$_2$.

Answer: Negative feedback. Breathing opposes the $CO_2$ decrease.

Flashcard 22: Identify the feedback type: Increased CO$_2$ in blood increases breathing rate to lower CO$_2$.

Answer: Negative feedback. Breathing opposes the $CO_2$ increase.

Flashcard 23: Which feedback type increases the set point error by pushing the variable farther from the set point?

Answer: Positive feedback. It worsens deviations from the target.

Flashcard 24: Which feedback type minimizes the set point error by driving the variable back toward the set point?

Answer: Negative feedback. It corrects deviations from the target.

Flashcard 25: What term describes the difference between the set point and the actual value of a regulated variable?

Answer: Deviation (error) from the set point. The gap between actual and desired values.

Flashcard 26: What is the defining feature of a positive feedback mechanism in regulation?

Answer: A response amplifies the initial stimulus, moving farther from the set point. This accelerates processes toward completion.

Flashcard 27: Identify the feedback type: An initial sound near a microphone produces louder speaker output and more sound.

Answer: Positive feedback. Sound amplifies itself in the feedback loop.

Flashcard 28: Identify the feedback type: A thermostat turns heating off when room temperature exceeds the set point.

Answer: Negative feedback. Heating stops when temperature is restored.

Flashcard 29: Which option best describes positive feedback: amplifies change or reduces change?

Answer: Amplifies change. It reinforces and increases deviations.

Flashcard 30: Which option best describes negative feedback: amplifies change or reduces change?

Answer: Reduces change. It opposes and minimizes deviations.