Final answer:
Homeostasis is maintained by negative feedback loops, which work to return the body to a state of equilibrium when there is a deviation from set points. Positive feedback loops, in contrast, drive physiological processes further from equilibrium for certain biological events.
Step-by-step explanation:
Homeostasis is primarily controlled by negative feedback loops. A negative feedback loop works to maintain balance and stability in an organism's internal environment. When a deviation from a set point is detected, the negative feedback mechanisms work to correct this change and return the system to its normal state. This can be illustrated by body temperature regulation, where the body will produce more heat if it is cold and less if it is hot, maintaining a constant internal temperature. On the other hand, a positive feedback loop pushes an organism's physiology further away from its normal setpoints, which is necessary for processes such as blood clotting and childbirth.