answersLogoWhite

0

True hibernation is a process where an animal allows it's body temperature to drop to a few degrees above ambient temperature, and heart rate to drop too. Mainly in rodents, and smaller animals, they periodically awake to eat from a cache of food, deficate and drink. Bears slow their heart rate, but only drop their body temperature a few degrees, and they don't eat or drink at all during this period, so many scientists use other terms such as winter lethergy, etc instead. Torpor doesn't seem to be voluntary, not something for which the animal prepared. Torpor is a response of some small animals when they get too cold. It's a bit like passing out in response to being cold. When I used to trap ground squirrels for a job, if the morning was chilly, ground squirrels in our traps would be in torpor - they appeared dead, no response at all. I'd put them in my jacket pocket, and as my body temperature warmed them, they'd wake up to jump out and run home. I've also seen small warblers go into torpor too. Again, they look dead, but if you blow on them, they'd perk up.

User Avatar

Wiki User

16y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

What are the two types of hibernation?

The two types of hibernation are true hibernation, which involves a drastic drop in body temperature and metabolism, and torpor, which is a state of reduced activity and metabolism without a significant drop in body temperature.


Can hamsters die in hibernation?

Yes they can. It is called torpor, it is similar to hibernation, not a true hibernation. This can happen if the temperature drops to low. Or they may go into Aestivation: this is a kind of sleep similar to hibernation but is used in the summer to protect the animals from high temperatures and drought and the potentially harmful effects of the season.


Do hamsters have odor when hibernating?

No, hamsters do not hibernate. They are not true hibernators like some other animals. Hamsters are in a state of torpor during times of rest, where they may seem inactive and sleep more, but they do not experience the same processes as true hibernation.


Do shrews hibernate?

Some shrew species enter a state of decreased activity in the winter known as torpor, but it is not true hibernation. During torpor, their body temperature drops slightly, and they enter a state of lowered metabolic rate to conserve energy, but they are still able to wake up and forage for food if necessary.


Do bears hibernate or they just walk around?

no they just walk around this is called torpor it is still a deep sleep but not deeper then a hibernate sleep if you want the real answer just go on raz kids.com if you want the real answer go to level M then look on hibernation then read the whole thing im reading and right now i am on level M


Do frogs or dogs hibernate?

Frogs do not typically hibernate, as they are ectothermic and can regulate their body temperature by moving to warmer locations. Some dogs may enter a state resembling hibernation called torpor, especially in extreme cold conditions, but this is not a true hibernation as seen in some other animals.


Is a hibernating bear a living thing?

Bears do not truly hibernate but do go into a torpor (sleep) during colder months when food is scarce. However, it is not a true hibernation and the bears can quickly awaken if disturbed. Yes, they are a living thing and only are sleeping.


How is the hibernation in Savanna?

Hibernation in savanna ecosystems is less common compared to temperate regions, as savanna climates typically experience warm temperatures year-round with distinct wet and dry seasons. Some animals may enter a state of torpor to conserve energy during the dry season when food and water are scarce, but true hibernation is rare. Species like certain rodents or reptiles might burrow or seek shelter to avoid extreme conditions, adapting their behaviors rather than undergoing prolonged hibernation. Overall, the adaptation strategies in savannas focus more on resilience to seasonal changes than on hibernation.


Do hamsters hibernate and why d they hibernate?

No!! Hamsters are not true hibernators. Hamsters like to be in the range of 65 75 degree Fahrenheit. If the temperature drops below 40 degrees Fahrenheit they may go into a temporary hibernating state. This temporary hibernating state is called torpor: Torpor is a form of dormancy that is very similar to hibernation. But the difference between hibernation and torpor is how long the animals sleep times vary and how much the animal's bodies slow down. Torpor is a state of regulated hypothermia in an Endotherm: An Endotherm is an animal that is capable of maintaining its body temperature above the temperature of the external environment. Torpor may last just a few hours but usually no more than a day. Some mammals that live through cold periods when food is hard to find especially very small mammals have the ability to let their body temperature drop. Hamsters can go into this hibernating state and they have retained the ability to do so in captivity. A true hibernation is a state of dormancy that allows an animal to conserve energy during the winter months when food is in short supply. During hibernation animals slow their metabolism to a very low level, this allow them to use their energy reserves stored as body fat at a much slower rate. If you have a hibernating hamster in this sleeping (torpor) state it may appear that all life is extinct in the hamster and it may appear to be life-less (dead). It will not respond to sound, handling or touching. A hibernating hamster will curl up into a ball in the nest, this is to conserve heat in the abdominal region. You will be able to pick the hamster up without him knowing it, and will not wake up on handling. But close observation will reveal the hamster's whiskers (vibrissae) are still twitching. The hamster still has to breath when in torpor, although very very slowly this can be seen on close observation. The hamster must be aroused by slowly warming and gentle handling and stroking. After the arousal period it may be noted that hamster will be little groggy and trembling this will last only for a very short time.Thanks for listneaning and if u dont understand basicly the temperature needs to be 15C+ or it will hibernate and die and i knoe that because it happend to me enyway good luck


What is the difference between herkimwe diamonds and true diamond?

One difference between Herkimwe diamonds and true diamonds is that the Herkimwe diamonds are softer than true diamonds.


Do Syrian hamsters hibernate or migrate?

No!! Hamsters are not true hibernators. Hamsters like to be in the range of 65 75 degree Fahrenheit. If the temperature drops below 40 degrees Fahrenheit they may go into a temporary hibernating state. This temporary hibernating state is called torpor: Torpor is a form of dormancy that is very similar to hibernation. But the difference between hibernation and torpor is how long the animals sleep times vary and how much the animal's bodies slow down. Torpor is a state of regulated hypothermia in an Endotherm: An Endotherm is an animal that is capable of maintaining its body temperature above the temperature of the external environment. Torpor may last just a few hours but usually no more than a day. Some mammals that live through cold periods when food is hard to find especially very small mammals have the ability to let their body temperature drop. Hamsters can go into this hibernating state and they have retained the ability to do so in captivity. A true hibernation is a state of dormancy that allows an animal to conserve energy during the winter months when food is in short supply. During hibernation animals slow their metabolism to a very low level, this allow them to use their energy reserves stored as body fat at a much slower rate. If you have a hibernating hamster in this sleeping (torpor) state it may appear that all life is extinct in the hamster and it may appear to be life-less (dead). It will not respond to sound, handling or touching. A hibernating hamster will curl up into a ball in the nest, this is to conserve heat in the abdominal region. You will be able to pick the hamster up without him knowing it, and will not wake up on handling. But close observation will reveal the hamster's whiskers (vibrissae) are still twitching. The hamster still has to breath when in torpor, although very very slowly this can be seen on close observation. The hamster must be aroused by slowly warming and gentle handling and stroking. After the arousal period it may be noted that hamster will be little groggy and trembling this will last only for a very short time.Thanks for listneaning and if u dont understand basicly the temperature needs to be 15C+ or it will hibernate and die and i know that because it happend to me enyway good luck


What is the difference between a tale and a story?

A story can be true or not where as a tale is not true.