Can predator-prey relationship be an example of negative feedback?

Question

Predators eat their prey, prey population decreases. This results in the predator population to decrease, so less prey are consumed which causes the prey population to increase. Therefore, if the reduction in prey population results in its increase then can this be described as negative feedback?

Answer 1

Negative feedback is mechanism which pulls a system back toward equilibrium. Commonly we look at negative feedback in organisms maintaining homeostasis (nutrient concentrations, blood sugar levels, internal temperature). If we are looking at predator-prey relationships, the typical cycles that affect population size tend to bring that relationship toward equilibrium, therefore mimics a negative feedback system.