Feedback Loops in the Environment

1. Understanding Negative & Positive Effects - Feedback loops do not follow the same idea aspositive and negative effects on theenvironment. For example, we know that cleanwater will have a positive effect on living things,but polluted water will have a negative effecton living things. Other examples: Pollinators transferring pollenbetween flowers is a positive effect. Cuttingdown trees to make a parking lot is a negativeeffect.This is an investigation into how feedback loops are an integral part to environmentsand organisms. Answer all questions to the best of your ability. Be sure to use yourscience vocabulary and complete sentences!Introduction to Systems:A system has components that work together to carry out various functions.Abiotic and biotic parts work together to form a system known as an ecosystem.We use trends within these systems to predict, understand, and response

2. Understanding Negative & Positive Feedback Loops - Negative Feedback Loop: A negative feedback loop tells us that a system is stable. Despitethe name, this feedback is the natural state of homeostasis and no extra input is required forthis loop to keep happening. Positive Feedback Loop: A positive feedback loop tells us that a system needs a change. Inthis case we need an input to start the change. In the body, this could look like releasinginsulin when we have too much sugar in our blood. Instead of sugar, the environment canhave too much of other things like fertilizers, which can lead to an overgrowth of algae.

Using the picture, describe a relationship that occurs in each of the environments. It can be as simple or complex as you would like.

Discuss how the area’s climate could lead to a positive feedback loop that results in more plant loss. A company cleared a small area of land to do exploratory drilling for oil. This area was known for high winds and heavy rainfall. After the company was finished, theydid not rebuild the area back with the plants it once had.

Discuss how parts of a nitrogen cycle work to maintain balance in the air, soil, and living organisms using a negative feedback loop.

Draw out a sketch for one of the two scenarios discussed. Be sure to identify the main parts by labeling them.

Using the picture, describe a relationship that occurs in each of the environments. It can be as simple or complex as you would like.