Question

Distinguish between hibernation and torpor.

Short answer

Question: Explain the difference between hibernation and torpor. Answer: Hibernation and torpor are both survival strategies used by animals to conserve energy during challenging environmental conditions, involving periods of inactivity and slowed metabolic processes. The main differences between the two lie in their duration and intensity. Hibernation is a long-term strategy that lasts for weeks to months, with a more significant decrease in body temperature and metabolic processes. In contrast, torpor is a short-term strategy that lasts for hours to days, with less dramatic reductions in body temperature and metabolic function. Examples of hibernating animals include bears, ground squirrels, and bats, while animals that undergo torpor include hummingbirds, skunks, and some species of mice.

Step-by-step solution

Define Hibernation

Hibernation is a long-term state of inactivity and metabolic depression that some animals enter into during winter or unfavorable environmental conditions. During hibernation, the animal's body temperature, heart rate, and breathing rate decrease significantly to conserve energy.

Define Torpor

Torpor is a short-term state of inactivity and decreased metabolic function that allows animals to conserve energy during cold nights, food scarcity, or other relatively brief periods of unfavorable conditions. Unlike hibernation, torpor can occur at any time and typically lasts for a few hours to a few days.

Discuss Similarities

Both hibernation and torpor are survival strategies used by animals to conserve energy during challenging environmental conditions. In both states, animals enter a period of inactivity and their metabolic processes slow down, which helps them save energy and survive for extended periods without food.

Discuss Key Differences

The main differences between hibernation and torpor are in their duration and intensity. Hibernation is a long-term strategy, lasting for weeks to months, while torpor is a short-term strategy, lasting for hours to days. Additionally, animals in hibernation experience a more significant decrease in body temperature and metabolic processes than those in torpor.

Provide Examples

Examples of animals that undergo hibernation include bears, ground squirrels, and bats. Examples of animals that undergo torpor include hummingbirds, skunks, and some species of mice.