A child is sick. They have a body temperature that exceeds 37Å—C. The body senses this and begins to sweat in order to lower the temperature. What is this an example of?

Rationale

It is an example of a negative feedback loop.

The body's response to an increased temperature by sweating serves to restore homeostasis, demonstrating the principle of negative feedback. This process helps reduce the body temperature back to a normal range, ensuring the proper functioning of physiological processes.

A (Positive feedback loop) YOUR ANSWER

A positive feedback loop amplifies a change rather than counteracting it, leading to an increasingly intensified response. For example, during childbirth, contractions increase in intensity and frequency until delivery occurs. In this scenario, sweating to lower body temperature does not amplify the situation; thus, it is not a positive feedback loop.

B (Negative feedback loop) CORRECT

Negative feedback loops work to counteract deviations from a set point, maintaining homeostasis. When the body temperature rises above normal, the hypothalamus signals the sweat glands to produce sweat, which cools the body down as it evaporates. This regulatory mechanism exemplifies how negative feedback maintains stability within biological systems.

C (Both) YOUR ANSWER

While both feedback mechanisms play essential roles in biological processes, this specific scenario only describes a negative feedback loop. The act of sweating in response to elevated body temperature does not involve positive feedback; therefore, this choice is incorrect.

D (None of the above) YOUR ANSWER

This choice suggests that the scenario does not involve either feedback mechanism. However, since the sweating response is a clear example of a negative feedback loop, this option is incorrect.

Conclusion

The body's response to rising temperature through sweating exemplifies a negative feedback loop, a critical mechanism for maintaining homeostasis. By counteracting the increase in temperature, the body ensures that physiological functions remain stable. Understanding these feedback mechanisms is vital in fields like physiology and medicine, where homeostasis is paramount for health.

A child is sick. They have a body temperature that exceeds 37Å—C. The body senses this and begins to sweat in order to lower the temperature. What is this an example of?

It is an example of a negative feedback loop.

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