Hibernare

Definition

Hibernare is a Latin term meaning 'to hibernate,' referring to a state of inactivity or dormancy that many animals enter during cold months. This process allows animals to conserve energy by significantly reducing their metabolic rate, body temperature, and overall activity levels, enabling them to survive when food is scarce and temperatures are low.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hibernation is primarily observed in mammals such as bears, bats, and ground squirrels, allowing them to endure harsh winter conditions.
2. During hibernation, animals can lose a significant percentage of their body weight due to the reliance on stored fat for energy.
3. Many species undergo physiological changes prior to hibernation, such as increased fat storage and alterations in hormone levels to prepare for the dormant state.
4. Some animals may experience periodic arousal during hibernation, where they briefly wake up to eat or drink before returning to dormancy.
5. Global climate change is affecting hibernation patterns in various species, leading to shifts in timing and duration that can impact their survival.

Review Questions

• What physiological changes do animals undergo before entering hibernation, and why are these changes important?
  • Before entering hibernation, animals undergo several physiological changes including increased fat storage and hormonal adjustments. These changes are vital because they allow the animal to accumulate energy reserves that will sustain them throughout the dormant period when food is not available. Additionally, these adaptations help lower metabolic rates and body temperatures, which are crucial for conserving energy and surviving the winter months.
• Discuss the differences between hibernation and torpor, highlighting how each strategy helps animals survive extreme environmental conditions.
  • Hibernation and torpor are both strategies that animals use to survive harsh environmental conditions, but they differ in duration and depth of dormancy. Hibernation typically lasts for an extended period during winter months and involves significant metabolic slowdown, while torpor is a short-term state that can occur daily or seasonally. Torpid animals can quickly re-enter active states when conditions improve or food becomes available, whereas hibernators rely on stored energy reserves over a longer timeframe.
• Evaluate the impact of climate change on the hibernation behaviors of various species and discuss potential ecological consequences.
  • Climate change is influencing hibernation behaviors by altering temperature patterns and food availability, which can lead to mismatches in timing for many species. For example, if warmer winters prompt early arousal from hibernation while food sources are still scarce, animals may struggle to find enough nutrition. This disruption can affect reproductive success and population dynamics within ecosystems. Ultimately, these changes could lead to shifts in species distributions and interactions within their habitats, highlighting the interconnectedness of environmental factors and animal behavior.

Related terms

estivation: A state of dormancy similar to hibernation but occurring during hot and dry conditions, allowing animals to survive extreme temperatures.

torpor: A temporary state of decreased physiological activity in animals, characterized by reduced metabolism, heart rate, and body temperature, which can last for short periods.

hibernacula: The shelters or locations where animals hibernate, providing protection from the elements and predators during their dormant period.