What is the feedback loop that causes a system to change further in the same direction?

A feedback loop that causes a system to change further in the same direction is known as a positive feedback loop. In such systems, the output of the process amplifies or enhances the initial stimulus, effectively increasing the overall effect. This can lead to exponential growth or acceleration of a process and can be found in various biological and ecological systems.

For instance, during childbirth, the release of oxytocin causes contractions, which in turn leads to more oxytocin release, resulting in stronger and more frequent contractions. This positive feedback mechanism continues until a specific endpoint is reached, such as the birth of the baby.

Understanding this concept helps to illustrate how certain biological processes are designed to drive changes in a system towards a definite outcome, contrasting sharply with negative feedback loops, which tend to dampen or reduce the effect of a stimulus.