Hibernation is a state of inactivity that some animals, like bears, use to survive the winter. During hibernation, a bear's body temperature drops, its heart rate slows down, and it breathes much less frequently. This allows the bear to conserve energy when food is scarce. Bears prepare for hibernation by eating a lot in the fall to build up fat reserves, which they then use as energy throughout the winter months. They typically find a den, such as a cave or hollow log, to stay protected during this period. It's important to remember that while hibernating, bears are not actually sleeping the whole time and can wake up if disturbed.
Match the term with its definition:
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| 1. Hibernation | A. A safe place where an animal sleeps during winter. |
| 2. Den | B. To conserve energy during winter. |
| 3. Conserve | C. A state of inactivity during winter. |
| 4. Metabolism | D. The chemical processes that occur within a living organism in order to maintain life. |
| 5. Fat Reserves | E. Stored body fat used for energy. |
Fill in the blanks with the correct words from the word bank: energy, winter, heart rate, temperature, fat reserves.
During hibernation, a bear's body _________________ drops and its _________________ slows down. This helps the bear conserve _________________ during the _________________ months. They rely on their _________________ for survival.
Why is hibernation an important adaptation for bears living in cold climates?
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