Hibernation

Hibernation is a state of inactivity and metabolic depression in animals, characterized by low body temperature, slow breathing and heart rate, and low metabolic rate. This adaptive survival strategy allows animals to conserve energy and endure harsh environmental conditions, such as extreme cold and food scarcity.

Factors affecting hibernation

Several factors influence an animal's ability to hibernate, including:

• Temperature: Hibernation is triggered by decreasing environmental temperatures.
• Food availability: Animals hibernate to survive periods of food scarcity.
• Metabolic rate: Hibernating animals have significantly reduced metabolic rates.
• Adaptations: Physical and physiological adaptations enable animals to hibernate successfully.

Animals that hibernate

Many mammals, reptiles, and amphibians hibernate, including:

• Bears
• Ground squirrels
• Bats
• Frogs
• Snakes

Study guide

1. Define hibernation and explain its adaptive significance.
2. Describe the physiological changes that occur in animals during hibernation.
3. Discuss the environmental factors that trigger hibernation.
4. Compare and contrast hibernation with other forms of dormancy, such as torpor and estivation.
5. Research and present a case study on a specific animal species that hibernates, detailing its adaptations and hibernation behavior.

Understanding the phenomenon of hibernation is essential for comprehending the diverse strategies that animals employ to survive in challenging environments.