What term describes the negative feedback loop that stabilizes a system?

The term that describes the negative feedback loop stabilizing a system is known as a balancing loop. Balancing loops function to maintain equilibrium by counteracting changes within a system. When a system deviates from its desired state, balancing loops act to resist or mitigate these changes, thus promoting stability. For instance, if a population exceeds its resource limit, factors like increased mortality or decreased birth rates may occur to bring the population back to a more sustainable level.

This concept aligns with the principles of systems thinking, where balance is crucial for sustainability. A balancing loop contrasts with a reinforcing loop, which amplifies change and can lead to exponential growth or decline. In systems thinking, it's essential to differentiate between these types of loops to understand how various factors interact and affect sustainability.