The term used when an organism becomes inactive during winter

Subject : Biology

Question:

What is the term used when an organism becomes inactive during winter?

Expert Verified Solution:

The term used when an organism becomes inactive during winter is hibernation. Hibernation is a state of dormancy that many animals enter to survive the colder months when food becomes scarce and environmental conditions become harsh. This physiological process allows them to conserve energy by significantly reducing their metabolic activity.

During hibernation, an animal’s heart rate, body temperature, and breathing slow down drastically. For instance, the body temperature of a hibernating animal may drop to near freezing, while its heart rate can slow from 100 beats per minute to just a few beats per minute. This reduction in bodily functions minimizes the amount of energy required for survival.

Animals such as bears, bats, hedgehogs, and ground squirrels are well-known for hibernating. These creatures build up fat reserves during the months when food is plentiful, allowing them to sustain themselves throughout the winter without needing to forage for food. Some hibernating animals occasionally wake up to eat or relieve themselves, while others remain in deep sleep for the entire winter season.

Hibernation differs from daily torpor, which is a short-term drop in body temperature that some animals use to conserve energy for just a few hours or overnight. Hibernation is a much longer process, often lasting several months.

This adaptation helps animals survive extreme conditions by reducing their energy needs until food becomes available again in spring. By entering this state of inactivity, these organisms can avoid the challenges of finding food and shelter during the harsh winter months.