Final answer:
A system that corrects changes before they become too large uses a negative feedback loop, essential for maintaining homeostasis. Positive feedback loops amplify changes and are less common as they can lead to instability, but are useful in specific processes like childbirth.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a system anticipates change and initiates corrections before the divergence from the set point gets too large, it is employing a process known as a negative feedback loop. This type of feedback mechanism is crucial for maintaining homeostasis in biological systems. Negative feedback loops work by detecting changes that deviate from a set point or normal range and activating responses to counteract these changes and bring the system back to its desired state.
Positive feedback loops, on the other hand, drive the system away from its set point by amplifying the changes that are occurring, leading to an even greater deviation from normal. An example of positive feedback is the process of childbirth, where hormones increase the strength of uterine contractions until delivery is achieved.
Overall, negative feedback mechanisms are more common because they help maintain the stability of physiological processes such as body temperature and blood glucose levels, essential for healthy functioning. In contrast, positive feedback is typically used in more specific situations where a rapid conclusion to an ongoing process is beneficial.