MAKE CONNECTIONS Negative feedback is a process that regulates biological systems (see Concept 40.2). Explain how the density-dependent birth rate of dune fescue grass exemplifies negative feedback.

A negative feedback system is an automated system that prevents future production by the systemand ensures that the product of a process does not reach increased amounts. In a negative feedback system, the presence of a product will decrease the further stimulus and more product production.

A population’s density-dependent birth rate causes an increased number of individuals.Alow birth rate reduces population growth as a result of the high population density. A regulated population occurs when more than one density-dependent factor leads to a decrease in size when the population is large.

The negative feedback system is a more specific process that regulates the biological system as it maintains homeostasis, in which the response reduces the stimulus. Negative feedback is seen by the density-dependent birth rate of the dune fescue grass.

When the population of the dune fescue grass increases, it causes an accumulation of individuals that leads to high population density. The high population density decreases the growth of the population by reducing the birth rate.