Book 32, Question 32
What is brumation?
Brumation is a reptile’s winter slowdown.
When the weather gets cold, a reptile moves into a sheltered spot, and its body slows way down. It eats little or nothing, moves very little, and uses almost no energy. It might wake up on warm days for a drink. Brumation is a lot like hibernation in mammals but is not exactly the same.
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Quick answers
What is brumation?
Over the winter, when temperatures drop, reptiles may enter a form of hibernation called brumation.
Brumation is a period of sluggishness and reduced activity that some reptiles utilize in colder environments.
Sources: National Park Service, National Park Service
More fun facts
- During brumation, their heart rate, body temperature, and metabolism decrease.
Sources: National Park Service