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Hibernation is a state of minimal activity and metabolic depression undergone by some animal species. Hibernation is a seasonal heterothermy characterized by low body-temperature, slow breathing and heart-rate, and low metabolic rate. It is most commonly used to pass through winter months – called overwintering.
A hibernation factor is a protein used by cells to induce a dormant state by slowing or halting the cellular metabolism. [1] This can occur during periods of stress, [1] randomly in order to allocate "designated survivors" in a population, [1] or when bacteria cease growth (enter stationary phase). [2]
An animal prepares for hibernation by building up a thick layer of body fat during late summer and autumn that will provide it with energy during the dormant period. During hibernation, the animal undergoes many physiological changes, including decreased heart rate (by as much as 95%) and decreased body temperature. [2]
Some animals seasonally go into long periods of inactivity, with reduced body temperature and metabolism, made up of multiple bouts of torpor. This is known as hibernation if it occurs during winter or aestivation if it occurs during the summer. Daily torpor, on the other hand, is not seasonally dependent and can be an important part of energy ...
[23] [24] Hibernation is usually perceived as taking place during winter, as in the most well-known hibernators bears and bats, [25] [24] but can also occur during the dry season when there is little food or water, as in the mouse lemurs of Madagascar. [23]
Hibernation is voluntary, whereas torpor is involuntary, like breathing. There are many animals that do go into full hibernation. True hibernators include squirrels , mice, bats, and turtles .
These changes in strategies typically occur on a daily basis or on an annual basis. More often than not, it is used as a way to dissociate the fluctuating metabolic rates seen in some small mammals and birds (e.g. bats and hummingbirds ), from those of traditional cold blooded animals.
The holidays are over, which, for some people, may come as a relief. For others, going back to work or school or the daily grind of the routine may seem like a downer, especially during the darker ...