Hibernation And Torpor: What's The Difference
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Hibernation and torpor are both dormant states that animals use to conserve energy and survive, but they have several differences
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Some animal species enter a state of suspended animation that is called torpor
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Some animals can enter daily torpor for a few hours, but hibernating species remain torpid for days or weeks
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Although often described as multi-day torpor, a hibernation period will also include cycles of sleep and wakefulness
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Hibernation is voluntary, while torpor is involuntary and triggered by temperature
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Hibernation is a more intense state than torpor, with more drastic decreases in body temperature, metabolism, and awareness
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Hibernation is associated with day length and hormone changes, while torpor is driven by food availability and ambient temperatures
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Both hibernation and torpor require animals to eat more before the winter months to build up fat stores to use as energy
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