Question

Explain hibernation with an example.

Answer 1

Step 1: Definition:
Hibernation is a state of dormancy or greatly reduced metabolic activity that certain animals, especially mammals living in cold climates, undergo to survive the harsh winter season.

Step 2: Physiological Basis:
During hibernation the animal's body temperature, heart rate, and metabolic rate drop significantly, which conserves energy at a time when food is scarce and environmental temperatures are extremely low.

Step 3: Example:
Bears are the most familiar example of hibernating mammals; bats and certain ground squirrels also hibernate through winter.

Final Answer:
\(\text{Hibernation is winter dormancy with lowered metabolism to survive cold and food scarcity, e.g. in bears}\)