Question

Question

How does hibernation help animals survive? (1 point)
Responses

Hibernation makes access to food easier.
Hibernation makes access to food easier.

Hibernation protects the animal young from predators.
Hibernation protects the animal young from predators.

Hibernation increases the chances of meeting a mate.
Hibernation increases the chances of meeting a mate.

Hibernation reduces the energy required for survival.
Hibernation reduces the energy required for survival.
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Answer 1

Hibernation reduces the energy required for survival.

This response correctly identifies how hibernation helps animals survive by allowing them to conserve energy during periods when food is scarce and temperatures are low.

Answer 2

Hibernation helps animals survive by reducing the energy required for survival; during hibernation, an animal's metabolism slows down significantly, allowing them to conserve energy when food is scarce, especially during harsh winter conditions.
Explanation: When animals hibernate, their body temperature drops, their heart rate slows down, and their breathing rate decreases, which drastically reduces the amount of energy they need to use to stay alive.
Key points about hibernation:
Conserving energy: This is the primary benefit of hibernation.
Food scarcity: Animals often hibernate during periods when food is scarce, like winter.
Preparation: Before hibernation, animals typically build up fat reserves to sustain them during their inactive period.
What is hibernation, how does it work, and which animals do it?
Hibernation is a way for many creatures – from butterflies to bats – to survive cold, dark winters without having to forage for fo...
BBC Wildlife Magazine
Not just sleep: all about hibernation - Australian Academy of Science
May 20, 2016 — Hibernation is a way animals conserve energy to survive adverse weather conditions or lack of food. It involves physio...
Australian Academy of Science
How Hibernation Works - Animals | HowStuffWorks
May 28, 2024 — Glands in the body alter the amounts of hormones being released and can control just about every physiological aspect...

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Answer 3

Hibernation is a survival strategy employed by various animals to endure harsh environmental conditions, particularly during winter when food is scarce. Here’s a comprehensive overview of what hibernation is, how it works, and examples of animals that exhibit this behavior:

What is Hibernation?

Hibernation is a state of inactivity and metabolic depression in endothermic (warm-blooded) animals. It allows animals to survive during periods of environmental stresses such as cold temperatures and food shortages.

How Does Hibernation Work?

1. Metabolic Changes: During hibernation, an animal’s metabolism significantly slows down. This involves a notable decrease in body temperature, heart rate, and respiration rate.
2. Energy Conservation: The reduction in metabolic rate means that the animal requires much less energy to survive, which allows it to endure long periods without food. Animals often rely on fat reserves built up before the hibernation period.
3. Hormonal Regulation: The body releases hormones that control physiological changes during hibernation, helping to facilitate the drastic modifications in metabolism and bodily functions.

Key Points About Hibernation:

• Conserving Energy: The primary purpose of hibernation is to conserve energy during times when food is not readily available.
• Food Scarcity: Many animals hibernate in winter when food shortages occur due to cold weather, making it difficult to forage.
• Preparation: Before entering hibernation, animals typically engage in foraging to build up fat reserves that will sustain them during their dormancy.

Animals That Hibernates:

Many animals practice hibernation, including:

• Mammals: Bears, ground squirrels, and bats are common examples of hibernating mammals.
• Reptiles and Amphibians: Some reptiles and amphibians also enter a state of dormancy to survive cold periods.
• Insects: Certain butterflies and other insects have hibernation-like states to weather the winter.

Conclusion:

Hibernation is a crucial adaptation for many species, enabling them to survive extreme conditions by minimizing their energy expenditure. It allows animals to wait out harsh environmental challenges until conditions improve. Understanding this phenomenon helps appreciate the resilience and adaptability of wildlife.