Which type of feedback loop helps maintain homeostasis by counteracting changes?

The correct choice is based on the fundamental principle of homeostasis in biological systems. Negative feedback loops are essential mechanisms that help maintain stability within the body by reversing any deviation from a set point or normal range.

In a negative feedback loop, when a change occurs—such as a rise in body temperature—the system detects this change and activates processes to counteract it. For example, if body temperature increases, mechanisms such as sweating and vasodilation are initiated to cool the body down. Conversely, if body temperature decreases, shivering and vasoconstriction are triggered to generate and retain heat, thus bringing the temperature back to its normal range.

This dynamic process ensures that the body can effectively respond to internal and external challenges, maintaining equilibrium and proper functioning—a key aspect of homeostasis. Other feedback mechanisms, such as positive feedback, amplify changes and move systems away from their set points, which is not conducive to maintaining homeostasis. This is why negative feedback is the correct response to the question about maintaining homeostasis by counteracting changes.