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