feedback loop (feedback mechanism) A control device in a system. Homoeostatic systems have numerous negative-feedback mechanisms which tend to counterbalance positive changes and so maintain stability. For example, denitrifying bacteria counteract the effects of nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Positive feedback reinforces change and in natural systems may result in radical environmental alteration. For example, an exceptionally cool summer in high mid-latitudes of the northern hemisphere may impede the melting of snow, leading to unusually high albedo, which reduces absorption of solar energy, leading to further cooling, etc.

feedback loop(feedback mechanism) A control device in a system. Homoeostatic systems have numerous negative-feedback mechanisms which tend to counterbalance positive changes and so maintain stability. For example, denitrifying bacteria counteract the effects of nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Positive feedback reinforces change and in natural systems may result in radical environmental alteration. For example, an exceptionally cool summer in high mid-latitudes of the northern hemisphere may impede the melting of snow, leading to unusually high albedo, which reduces absorption of solar energy, leading to further cooling, etc.