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Difference Between Torpor and Hibernation
Torpor and hibernation are two different states of inactivity that animals use to conserve energy and survive harsh conditions. While they share some similarities, there are distinct differences between the two.
What is Torpor?
Torpor is a short-term, reversible state of decreased activity and metabolism that occurs daily or seasonally in some animals. During torpor, an animal's body temperature, heart rate, and respiratory rate decrease significantly, sometimes by as much as 95%. This allows the animal to conserve energy and survive periods of food scarcity or extreme temperatures.
Many animals use torpor, including hummingbirds, bats, and some rodents. For example, hummingbirds can enter a state of torpor every night to conserve energy while sleeping. Similarly, some rodents can enter torpor during the day when temperatures are high to avoid heat stress.
The average maximum duration of a torpor bout is about 30 times shorter for the daily heterotherms, compared to this for hibernators with similar body weight.
In daily heterotherms, the mean minimum metabolic rate in torpor is 35% of the basal metabolite rate. The temporal control of entry into / exit from torpor in daily heterotherms is governed by the circadian regulation. This facilitates continued foraging.
What is Hibernation?
Hibernation, on the other hand, is a long-term, deep state of inactivity that lasts for several weeks or months. During hibernation, an animal's body temperature drops to near freezing, its heart rate slows down, and its metabolism slows to a crawl. The animal's breathing becomes shallow, and it may go for long periods without taking a breath.
Many animals hibernate, including bears, bats, and rodents. For example, black bears hibernate for several months during the winter to conserve energy when food is scarce. Similarly, bats hibernate in caves during the winter to avoid the cold and conserve energy.
The characteristics of the torpor depend on the geographical distribution and body mass of the species. In general, the hibernating species are heavier, compared to daily heterotherms. They live at higher average latitudes. Average maximum torpor bout is about 30 times longer in hibernators. During hibernation, the metabolic rate is about 6% of the basal metabolic rate. The control of entry into / exit from torpor in hibernators is not governed by the circadian system. This allows hibernating animals to have prolonged periods of hypometabolism, relaying at their energy reserves.
Differences: Torpor and Hibernation
One of the key differences between torpor and hibernation is the duration of the state. Torpor lasts for a few hours or days, while hibernation can last for weeks or months. Additionally, animals in torpor can be easily aroused and can quickly return to an active state, while hibernating animals are difficult to wake up and take longer to return to an active state.
Another difference is the depth of the inactivity. Animals in torpor have a reduced metabolism and decreased activity, but they can still move around and respond to stimuli. In contrast, animals in hibernation are nearly comatose and do not respond to external stimuli.
The following table highlights the major differences between Torpor and Hibernation −
Characteristics |
Torpor |
Hibernation |
|---|---|---|
Definition |
Torpor is a hypometabolic condition in eutherms, associated with low body temperatures, helping animals to survive periods of unfavorable environmental conditions. |
Hibernation is a state of regulated hypothermia that allows animals to save energy at prolonged periods of low temperatures. |
Foraging |
Torpor can last from several hours (daily torpor, less than 24 hours) to several months (hibernation). |
The average maximum duration of a torpor bout is about 30 times longer for the hibernators, compared to this for daily heterotherms with similar body weight. |
Geographical distribution |
Daily torpor is accompanied by continued foraging. |
Hibernators do not feed during the hibernation period. |
Body Mass |
In general, the daily heterotherms are distributed at lower average latitudes, the hibernators – at higher ones. |
In general, the hibernators live at higher average latitudes compared to the daily heterotherms. |
Treatment |
Animals of different sizes can use torpor. In general, the daily heterotherms are smaller than the hibernators. |
In general, the hibernators are bigger, compared to the daily heterotherms. |
Metabolic rate |
In daily heterotherms the mean minimum metabolic rate in torpor is 35% of the basal metabolite rate. |
The mean minimum metabolic rate during hibernation is 6% of the basal metabolite rate. |
Temporal control |
The temporal control of entry into / exit from torpor in daily heterotherms is governed by the circadian regulation. |
Hibernators have uncoupled the torpor control from the circadian system. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, while torpor and hibernation share some similarities, there are distinct differences between the two. Torpor is a short-term, reversible state of decreased activity and metabolism that occurs daily or seasonally, while hibernation is a long-term, deep state of inactivity that lasts for several weeks or months.
Understanding these differences is important for understanding how animals survive in harsh environments and how we can help protect their habitats.
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