Final answer:
A fever operates as a negative feedback loop in the body, counteracting a rise in temperature to restore homeostasis, unlike positive feedback loops which amplify a response until a conclusion is reached.
Step-by-step explanation:
A fever is an example of a negative feedback loop. When the body's temperature rises above the normal range, receptors detect this change and send a signal to the brain, which in turn initiates a response to cool the body down and return it to homeostasis. Once the body temperature is back to normal, the negative feedback mechanism stops the cooling response. This self-regulatory system ensures that body temperature is kept within a safe range, acting to counteract changes rather than promoting them.
In contrast, positive feedback loops serve to amplify the response. For instance, during childbirth, the release of oxytocin increases uterine contractions, pushing the baby further down the birth canal, which then causes more oxytocin to be released. These loops continue to enhance the response until a specific outcome is achieved, like the birth of the baby.