Alpine Marmot Alpine marmotĭescription: European hedgehogs hibernate in nests made of leaves and grasses during the winter. However, while hibernation primarily helps animals withstand cold temperatures and harsh winter conditions, aestivation enables them to endure hot and dry environments. Similar to hibernation, aestivation involves a decrease in metabolic rate, heart rate, and respiration to conserve energy and minimize water loss. Estivation versus HibernationĮstivation (aestivation in British English) is a dormant state that certain amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates enter to survive extreme heat, drought, or food scarcity. These squirrels are native to the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of North America, where they hibernate for up to 8-9 months, depending on the latitude and local conditions. The Arctic ground squirrel (Urocitellus parryii) holds the record for the longest hibernation period. Animal with the Longest Hibernation Period The length of hibernation varies depending on the species and environmental factors, lasting anywhere from several weeks to months. This allows the animal to conserve energy and rely on stored fat reserves. Changes in an Animal’s Body During Hibernationĭuring hibernation, an animal’s body temperature, heart rate, breathing, and metabolic rate significantly decrease. However, these states differ in terms of duration and depth of dormancy, even though they resemble hibernation. For reptiles and amphibians, this state is called brumation, while birds undergo torpor, and insects enter diapause. Other types of animals, including reptiles, birds, and insects, can also experience a similar state of inactivity to cope with unfavorable conditions. Hibernation is primarily associated with mammals like bears, bats, and rodents. (There are only a few hibernating animals in tropical regions.) Various Types of Hibernating Animals Typically, hibernation occurs during the winter, and most hibernating animals are found in regions with harsh winter climates. Hibernation serves as a crucial survival strategy, allowing animals to endure challenging circumstances and preserve their energy reserves until conditions become favorable again. Hibernation is a natural state of extended inactivity and decreased metabolism that certain animals undergo to survive periods of extreme cold, limited food availability, or other unfavorable environmental conditions. Other Animals That Experience Seasonal Inactivity Changes in an Animal’s Body During Hibernation
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