Common throughout the class
Mammalia, hibernation involves a
profound change in behavior, morphology, and physiology as they undergo a remarkable phenotypic switch. Hibernation is one of the
major forms of dormancy in mammals. It is characterized by a prolonged winter reduction of metabolic rate and body temperature near ambient temperature. Another definition of hibernation is extended bouts of torpor where
minimal body temperature can fall as low as -2.9°C. The factors that induce hibernation are still under discussion, but
blood distribution is argued as one of the most important. Limited resources in terms of food,
composition of food, cold, and the absence of external stimuli contribute to inducing hibernation. The external cues of
seasonal influence, darkness, and CO2 concentration are not essential.
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