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WAHuman BiologyQuick questions
Unit 3: Homeostasis and Disease
Quick questions on Homeostasis and feedback: WACE Year 12 Human Biology Unit 3
3short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What is the stimulus-response model?Show answer
Every homeostatic response follows the same pathway, and markers reward you for naming each stage in order.
What is negative feedback?Show answer
Negative feedback is the dominant control mechanism in homeostasis. The response opposes, or is in the opposite direction to, the original change. When body temperature rises, the response is cooling. When blood glucose falls, the response raises it.
What is positive feedback (and why it is rare)?Show answer
Positive feedback amplifies the original change rather than reversing it, driving the variable further from the starting point until an end event stops the loop. It is uncommon in the body because it is destabilising, but you should know two examples: the release of oxytocin during childbirth, which increases uterine contractions until birth, and the clotting cascade, where activated platelets recruit more platelets. Do not confuse positive feedback with a beneficial outcome; positive simply means the change is reinforced.
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