Feedback loops amplify small changes in chaotic systems from "summary" of Chaos by James Gleick
In a chaotic system, even the smallest change can have significant repercussions. This is due in part to the presence of feedback loops, which can amplify these small changes and cause unpredictable outcomes. Feedback loops are inherent in many natural systems, from the weather to the stock market. A simple example of a feedback loop can be seen in a thermostat. When the temperature in a room drops below a certain point, the thermostat turns on the heater. As the room heats up, the thermostat detects this change and turns off the heater. This process continues, with the thermostat constantly adjusting to maintain a stable temperature. Feedback loops can be positive or negative. A positive feedback loop amplifies a small change, leading to exponential growth or collapse. An example of this is a population of r...
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