Animal Hibernation Worksheet

Animal Hibernation

Read each question carefully and answer to the best of your ability. Some questions may require critical thinking and recall of scientific concepts related to animal adaptations.

1. What is the primary purpose of hibernation for animals?

2. Which of the following physiological changes is characteristic of a hibernating animal?

3. During hibernation, an animal's body temperature can drop significantly, sometimes to just a few degrees above  .

4. Animals prepare for hibernation by consuming large amounts of food to build up fat reserves, which serve as their primary source of   during their dormant period.

5. Bears are considered true hibernators because their body temperature drops to near freezing and they are difficult to arouse.

6. Estivation is a form of dormancy that animals enter during hot, dry periods, similar to hibernation in its purpose.

7. Describe at least three physiological changes that occur in an animal's body during hibernation.

8. Explain the difference between true hibernation and torpor, providing an example of an animal that exhibits each.

9. The image above shows a bear in its den. Based on your knowledge of hibernation, explain why bears enter this state and how their bodies adapt to survive through winter.