How does hibernation help animals survive? (1 point) Responses Hibernation increases the chances of meeting a mate. Hibernation increases the chances of meeting a mate. Hibernation makes access to food easier. Hibernation makes access to food easier. Hibernation reduces the energy required for survival. Hibernation reduces the energy required for survival. Hibernation protects the animal young from predators
Hibernation reduces the energy required for survival.
Hibernation helps animals survive by reducing the energy required for survival.
Hibernation helps animals survive by reducing the energy required for survival. During hibernation, the animal's metabolic rate slows down significantly, allowing them to conserve energy and survive for long periods without food. This is particularly beneficial in times when food sources are scarce, such as during winter.
To explain how hibernation reduces the energy required for survival, here's a bit more information on the process:
1. Decreased metabolic rate: Hibernating animals experience a significant drop in their metabolic rate, which is the rate at which their bodies consume energy. By slowing down their metabolism, animals can conserve energy and survive on their stored body fat for an extended period of time.
2. Lowered body temperature: During hibernation, an animal's body temperature decreases significantly. This helps to further conserve energy as the animal's bodily functions don't require as much energy at lower temperatures.
3. Reduced physical activity: Hibernating animals enter a state of deep sleep where they remain inactive for prolonged periods. This decreased physical activity also reduces the energy expenditure of the animal, allowing them to conserve energy for survival.
By reducing the energy required for survival through these mechanisms, hibernating animals can endure harsh environmental conditions and scarcity of food resources. This enables them to survive until more favorable conditions, such as warmer weather or increased food availability, allow them to resume their normal activities.