What is a key concept of General Systems Theory as it relates to living systems?

The concept that living systems maintain stability through complex feedback systems highlights the interactive and interdependent nature of these systems. General Systems Theory posits that living entities are not isolated but rather exist within a network of relationships, where various components continuously interact with one another. These interactions can have positive or negative feedback effects, which are crucial for the system's adaptability and overall health.

Feedback mechanisms allow living systems to respond to changes in their environment and maintain homeostasis. For instance, in biological systems, homeostasis involves responses like thermoregulation, where the body adjusts its temperature in reaction to internal and external changes. This capacity to monitor and adjust based on feedback ensures the stability and functionality of the system, making continual adaptation possible rather than relying solely on drastic changes.

Understanding this interconnectedness and reliance on feedback is fundamental to assessing how living systems work and adapt, making it a key concept in General Systems Theory.