In the context of evolutionary biology, what does negative feedback typically maintain?

In evolutionary biology, negative feedback mechanisms play a crucial role in maintaining stability within biological systems. These mechanisms work by inhibiting or counteracting changes in a certain variable, thus ensuring that any deviations from a set point lead to responses that bring the system back to its original state. This process fosters a balanced environment where populations can flourish despite external pressures or internal variations.

For instance, in the context of population dynamics, negative feedback may involve predation or resource limitations that regulate population sizes, preventing explosive growth that could lead to instability or collapse of the ecosystem. By maintaining stability, negative feedback helps ensure that organisms can adapt and survive over time, a core principle of evolutionary theory.