hibernation

Examples of hibernation in the following topics:

• Characteristics of Reptiles

  • Brumation is similar to hibernation in that the animal becomes less active and can go for long periods without eating, but differs from hibernation in that brumating reptiles are not asleep or living off fat reserves.

• Temperature and Water

  • Some animals have adapted to enable their bodies to survive significant temperature fluctuations, as seen in hibernation or reptilian torpor.
  • Some animals hibernate or estivate to survive hostile temperatures.
  • Hibernation enables animals to survive cold conditions, while estivation allows animals to survive the hostile conditions of a hot, dry climate.
  • Animals that hibernate or estivate enter a state known as torpor, a condition in which their metabolic rate is significantly lowered.

• Animal Bioenergetics

  • For example, animals can enter a state of hibernation during the winter months, which enables them to maintain a reduced body temperature.
  • During hibernation, ground squirrels can achieve an abdominal temperature of 0° C (32° F), while a bear's internal temperature is maintained higher at about 37° C (99° F).

• Life History Patterns and Energy Budgets

  • Thus, all species have an energy budget in which they must balance energy intake with their use of energy for metabolism, reproduction, parental care, and energy storage, as when bears build up body fat for winter hibernation.

• Fungi as Plant, Animal, and Human Pathogens

  • It is caused by the cold-loving fungus Geomyces destructans, which disseminates its deadly spores in caves where bats hibernate.

• Homeostasis: Thermoregulation

  • Poikilothermic animals include many species of fish, amphibians, and reptiles, as well as birds and mammals that lower their metabolism and body temperature as part of hibernation or torpor.