Campbell Biology (11th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-13409-341-0
ISBN 13: 978-0-13409-341-3

Chapter 40 - Test Your Understanding - Level 3 - Synthesis/Evaluation - Page 895: 12

Answer

Hibernation has the advantage of conserving energy use over periods of time where obtaining energy in the form of food can be extremely difficult. Think, for example, of a bear that hibernates over the winter when it may not be able to easily find the kinds of plants and animals it would normally eat.

Work Step by Step

The disadvantage is that, though energy consumption at this time is low, it does not end entirely. The bear must spend much of its active time in the warmer months packing on weight and eating higher amounts of food than necessary to just sustain itself. This is so it has enough fat to live on during its hibernation period. If it’s not able to prepare for winter, it may starve anyway.
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