Question

system feedbacks are the outputs that either become new inputs or regulate inputs in one of two ways. the regulation can be positive, when the outputs “add” to the inputs (left diagram); or it can be negative, when the outputs “subtract” from the inputs or block them altogether (right diagram). the best way to analyze a feedback scenario is to draw a diagram that connects the input and all the processes described in the scenario with arrows (there can be multiple processes or steps between the original input and the final output). when you get to the outcome (the last of the steps listed in the scenario, you must decide how it connects to the original input (you will use ↑ symbol to indicate a positive connection and t symbol to indicate a negative connection). that will help you decide what kind of feedback you are looking at. scenarios 1. go bananas ethylene gas is a natural plant hormone that triggers ripening of many fruits, such as bananas and apples. unripe fruit makes very little ethylene, while the ripe fruit makes a lot. as the first fruit begin to ripen, they release ethylene which makes the neighboring fruit start ripening too, which causes more ethylene to be released and more and more fruit to ripen. a. identify which of the earth systems are involved in this feedback: b. draw a diagram of the feedback loop: c. identify whether this feedback is positive or negative:

Explanation:

Step1: Identify Earth - systems involved

The biosphere is involved as it deals with living organisms (fruits). The atmosphere is also involved as ethylene gas is released into the air.

Step2: Draw the feedback - loop diagram

(It's not possible to draw directly here, but the diagram would have "Unripe fruit" as input. An arrow from "Unripe fruit" to "Release of ethylene gas" with a positive connection symbol (↑). Then an arrow from "Release of ethylene gas" to "Ripening of neighboring fruit" with a positive connection symbol (↑), and from "Ripening of neighboring fruit" back to "Release of more ethylene gas" with a positive connection symbol (↑)).

Step3: Determine the type of feedback

As the release of ethylene causes more fruit to ripen which in turn releases more ethylene, it is a positive feedback loop.

Answer:

a. Biosphere, Atmosphere
b. (Describe as above)
c. Positive