BRUMATION
– SCI & TECH
News:
Brumation: Winter is
coming for reptiles
What's
in the news?
●
Brumation describe a period of dormancy or
slowed activity in reptiles, much like hibernation in mammals.
●
It typically occurs during colder months,
when temperatures drop and food becomes scarce.
Key
takeaways:
●
Reptiles
enter a state of brumation to conserve energy and survive these
adverse environmental conditions.
Brumation:
●
It is a state of dormancy observed in reptiles, similar to hibernation in
mammals.
●
It typically occurs during colder months when temperatures drop and food becomes
scarce.
Purpose:
●
It enables reptiles to conserve energy by
substantially reducing their metabolism,
thus allowing them to endure extended periods without food.
Brumation
Period Habitat:
●
In the brumation phase, reptiles
frequently seek refuge in locations such as underground burrows or rock crevices, where temperatures remain
relatively stable.
Organisms
Exhibit Brumation:
●
Researchers have observed this behaviour
across various reptilian species, including box and painted turtles, snakes,
and lizards.
Brumation
Duration:
●
Brumation duration varies among reptile
species and can last for weeks or
months, depending on factors like temperature and location.
Significance:
●
It assists reptiles in surviving cold
temperatures and food scarcity by conserving resources until warmer conditions
return.
●
It enables improved feeding and
reproduction opportunities.
Go
back to basics:
Hibernation:
●
It is a winter dormancy state in warm-blooded mammals characterized by
reduced metabolism and lowered body temperature in response to cold and scarce
food.
●
Examples - Bears, bats, and certain
rodents.
Aestivation:
●
Estivation, or aestivation, is summer dormancy prompted by high
temperatures and dry conditions.
●
Examples - Animals like Amphibians,
Reptiles, and Invertebrates, including Snails and Earthworms.
Brumation:
●
It is winter
dormancy state observed in cold-blooded reptiles and amphibians,
particularly in temperate regions, in response to cold temperatures.
●
Examples - Snakes, Turtles and Lizards