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Torpor

Torpor is a short-term state of reduced metabolic activity that allows animals to conserve energy during cold temperatures, food scarcity, or extreme heat. Unlike hibernation, which lasts for weeks or months, torpor can last for a few hours to a few days, and animals can wake up quickly when conditions improve.

During torpor, an animal’s body temperature, heart rate, and breathing slow down, significantly reducing energy consumption. Many species enter torpor overnight or during specific seasons, enabling them to survive without needing constant food intake.

Common characteristics of animals that enter torpor include:

  • Temporary slowing of metabolism and body functions.
  • Lasts for short periods, often daily or seasonally.
  • Allows animals to respond quickly to environmental changes.

Examples of well-known animals that use torpor include:

  • Hummingbirds – Enter torpor at night to conserve energy when temperatures drop.
  • Bats – Use daily torpor to reduce energy use in colder conditions.
  • Fat-tailed dunnarts – Small marsupials that enter torpor during food shortages.
  • Black bears – Experience a mild form of torpor during winter months.
  • Reptiles and amphibians – Some species enter torpor to survive extreme heat or cold.

Torpor is a key survival strategy that helps many species thrive in unpredictable environments. Climate change and habitat disturbances can disrupt this delicate balance, making it crucial to protect the ecosystems where these animals live.

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