week 2 - Considering another feedback loop

 

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Let's examine another scenario and see if we can uncover what sort of feedback loop is in play here.  Note that this will be a very common and relatable scenario, but it's one that students in the past have found quite tricky in terms of its feedback loop characteristics!

Consider the prompt below and compose a post with your response.  You will receive 1 point for submitting a post of your own (3 sentences or more), after which you will be able to see your colleagues' posts. 

 

Discussion Prompt:

Fever is one of the most common symptoms of coronavirus.  Most of you have likely had fevers before!  For example, during a fever, your body might maintain a high temperature (e.g., 101°F) for a few days.

During a fever, when your body is maintaining 101°F, is your body temperature in a negative or positive feedback loop?  How can you tell?

here’s the best way to solve it.

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During a fever, when your body is maintaining a temperature of 101°F, your body temperature is in a positive feedback loop.

Explanation:

In a positive feedback loop, the response amplifies the initial stimulus, leading to a further increase in the stimulus. In the case of a fever, the elevated body temperature triggers the release of chemicals called pyrogens, which signal the hypothalamus in the brain to raise the body's set point for temperature. This causes the body to generate and retain more heat, leading to a further increase in body temperature.

Options:

Negative feedback loop: This is incorrect because a negative feedback loop would work to counteract the initial stimulus and bring the body temperature back to normal. During a fever, the body is actively maintaining a higher temperature, not trying to bring it down.

Positive feedback loop: This is the correct answer. As explained above, during a fever, the body temperature is maintained in a positive feedback loop where the elevated temperature leads to further increases in body temperature.

No feedback loop: This is incorrect because the body's response to a fever involves a feedback loop. The release of pyrogens and the subsequent increase in body temperature are part of a feedback mechanism.

Both negative and positive feedback loops: This is incorrect because during a fever, the body temperature is specifically maintained in a positive feedback loop. There is no involvement of a negative feedback loop in this scenario.