The Science of Hibernation: How Animals Prepare

The video explains how animals prepare for hibernation by creating insulated dens or finding warm spaces. It discusses various triggers for hibernation, such as temperature changes, food supply, and daylight hours, as well as internal biological calendars known as circannual rhythms. The video also highlights the differences between hibernation and sleep, noting that hibernation involves a significant reduction in body functions and is harder to wake from. Finally, it reviews key points with questions to reinforce learning.

Which animal does not build a den for hibernation but instead seeks warm spaces?

• Polar bears

• Bats

• Lemurs

• Ground squirrels

What is one of the signals that can trigger hibernation in animals?

• A full moon

• A drop in air temperature

• Loud noises

• Increased rainfall

What is the term for the internal biological calendar that signals hibernation?

• Biorhythms

• Slumber cues

• Sleep cycle

• Circannual rhythms

How does hibernation differ from sleep in terms of body functions?

• Hibernating animals have many dreams

• Hibernating animals are easy to wake

• Hibernating animals experience a significant slowdown in blood flow

• Hibernating animals have increased heart rates

What happens to a hibernating animal's blood flow?

• It increases by 90%

• It remains constant

• It stops completely

• It slows down dramatically

Why might some animals need more sleep after emerging from hibernation?

• They are adjusting to warmer temperatures

• They need to catch up on missed dreams

• They are preparing for migration

• They are still tired from hibernation

What is a common misconception about hibernation?

• It occurs only in bears

• It involves increased activity

• It is the same as sleep

• It is triggered by rainfall