Some mammals, such as bears, badgers, and raccoons enter a period of prolonged sleep during the winter months when temperatures are extreme and food is scarce. This is not considered hibernation because there is little, if any, drop in body temperature. In addition, the heart rate in bears many only drop from 40 to 10 beats per minute. on the other hand, some mammals such as woodchucks and ground squirrels enter a period of true hibernation. Their body temperature cools to within a degree or two of the ambient temperature. Their respiratory rate decreases from 200 to around 5 breaths per minute, and the heart rate drops from 150 to 5 beats per minute.
a. What excretory problems do bears face during their long sleep?
b. Would woodchucks face the same challenges?
c. Suggest possible adaptations that these mammals might have evolved to deal with nitrogenous wastes during winter.
Some mammals, such as bears, badgers, and raccoons enter a period of prolonged sleep during the winter months when temperatures are extreme and food is scarce. This is not considered hibernation because there is little, if any, drop in body temperature. In addition, the heart rate in bears many only drop from 40 to 10 beats per minute. on the other hand, some mammals such as woodchucks and ground squirrels enter a period of true hibernation. Their body temperature cools to within a degree or two of the ambient temperature. Their respiratory rate decreases from 200 to around 5 breaths per minute, and the heart rate drops from 150 to 5 beats per minute.
a. What excretory problems do bears face during their long sleep?
b. Would woodchucks face the same challenges?
c. Suggest possible adaptations that these mammals might have evolved to deal with nitrogenous wastes during winter.
Unlock all answers
