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Hibernation and Aestivation

Hibernation and aestivation are survival strategies used by some animals to conserve energy during periods of harsh environmental conditions. Hibernation occurs in winter when food is scarce and involves slowing metabolism and lowering body temperature. Animals like bears and bats hibernate. Aestivation takes place in hot, dry summers and also slows metabolism to reduce water loss; it is used by invertebrates and some reptiles and amphibians to endure heat and drought. Both strategies help animals survive through challenging times by decreasing their energy needs.

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757 views1 page

Hibernation and Aestivation

Hibernation and aestivation are survival strategies used by some animals to conserve energy during periods of harsh environmental conditions. Hibernation occurs in winter when food is scarce and involves slowing metabolism and lowering body temperature. Animals like bears and bats hibernate. Aestivation takes place in hot, dry summers and also slows metabolism to reduce water loss; it is used by invertebrates and some reptiles and amphibians to endure heat and drought. Both strategies help animals survive through challenging times by decreasing their energy needs.

Uploaded by

Nivesh Programming and Gaming
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as TXT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Hibernation and Aestivation

Hibernation:

Definition: Hibernation is a state of reduced metabolic activity and lowered body


temperature that some animals enter during the winter months. It's a survival
strategy to conserve energy in response to cold temperatures and reduced food
availability.

Animals that Hibernate: Many mammals hibernate, including bears, groundhogs, and
bats. Some reptiles and amphibians, like certain turtles and frogs, also enter a
hibernation-like state.

Physiological Changes: During hibernation, an animal's heart rate, breathing, and


metabolism significantly slow down. Body temperature drops close to the ambient
temperature, and the animal becomes less responsive to stimuli.

Duration: Hibernation can last for several weeks to months, depending on the
species and environmental conditions.

Purpose: The primary purpose of hibernation is to conserve energy and survive harsh
winter conditions when food is scarce.

Examples: Bears, Hedgehogs and Bats

Aestivation:

Definition: Aestivation is a state of reduced metabolic activity and dormancy that


some animals enter during hot and dry periods, typically in the summer. It's a way
to conserve water and energy.

Animals that Aestivate: Aestivation is more common in invertebrates like snails and
insects, but some vertebrates, such as certain amphibians and reptiles, also
aestivate.

Physiological Changes: During aestivation, an animal's metabolic rate decreases,


and it becomes less active. Aestivating animals often seek refuge in burrows or
underground to escape extreme heat and dry conditions.

Duration: The duration of aestivation varies but can range from a few weeks to
several months.

Purpose: Aestivation helps animals cope with hot and arid conditions, reducing
water loss and preventing overheating.

Geographical Distribution: Aestivation is more prevalent in arid and tropical


regions, where extended periods of extreme heat and drought occur.

Trigger: Aestivation is often triggered by environmental factors like temperature


and humidity, which signal to the animal that it's time to enter a state of
aestivation.

Examples: Desert Tortoises, African Lungfish, African Clawed Frogs

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