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hibernation
A dormant (sleep-like condition adopted by some animals to survive the harsh conditions of winter. Adaptive mechanisms to avoid starvation and extreme temperatures included reduced body temperature, a slower heartbeat, slower breathing rate, and slower rate of metabolism. Hibernation occurs in many mammals, and most reptiles and amphibians, of temperate and arctic regions. Some hibernating animals, e.g. bats, are able to wake to feed from time to time. See also suspended animation.
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