Hibernation

Introduction

• Hibernation is an adaptation that helps animals survive harsh winter conditions.
• It is a form of dormancy commonly associated with mammals.
• During hibernation, animals enter a state of reduced metabolic activity.

Types of Hibernation

• Hibernation can be predictive or consequential dormancy.
• Predictive hibernation occurs when animals enter hibernation before adverse conditions begin.
• Consequential hibernation is initiated after adverse conditions, such as cold weather and food shortages, have already started.

Effects of Hibernation

• During hibernation, the animal's heart rate and body temperature decrease significantly.
• This reduced metabolic activity conserves energy and allows the animal to survive with limited food resources.

Animals that Hibernate

• Various animals hibernate to cope with winter conditions.
• Examples include bats, small ground mammals like rats and mice, and larger mammals like American black bears and polar bears.
• These animals adapt to hibernation as a means of escaping the challenges of cold weather and scarcity of food.

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Biology

Hibernation

Summary

• Hibernation is a form of dormancy that helps animals survive winter conditions.
• It can be predictive or consequential dormancy.
• During hibernation, metabolic activity decreases, including heart rate and body temperature.
• Many different animals, from small rodents to large bears, use hibernation as an adaptation to overcome winter challenges.