Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Plant Sciences, Zoology & Evolution => Topic started by: Jerryade on 12/06/2008 08:04:32

Title: What's the difference between hibernation and aestivation?
Post by: Jerryade on 12/06/2008 08:04:32

Jeremiah asked the Naked Scientists:

Hi,
Please can you tell me the difference between hibernation and aestivation?

What do you think?

Title: What's the difference between hibernation and aestivation?
Post by: thedoc on 26/07/2008 18:20:31

Listen to this question on our podcast by clicking here (http://www.thenakedscientists.com/HTML/podcasts/show/2008.07.06/)

Title: What's the difference between hibernation and aestivation?
Post by: DoctorBeaver on 26/07/2008 19:08:42

They are the same thing (more or less) except that hibernation occurs in cold weather, estivation in hot, dry weather. Animals estivate to lessen the risk of death by heatstroke or dehydration.

Title: What's the difference between hibernation and aestivation?
Post by: opus on 01/08/2008 12:14:43

which do frogs do then...?

Title: What's the difference between hibernation and aestivation?
Post by: DoctorBeaver on 01/08/2008 17:53:50

Quote from: opus on 01/08/2008 12:14:43

which do frogs do then...?

Frenchmen don't hibernate or estivate, silly.

Actually, they do a bit of both. THey estivate to avoid really hot summer weather, but also hibernate for a while when it's freezing.

Title: What's the difference between hibernation and aestivation?
Post by: opus on 01/08/2008 18:20:52

Thankyou, that's what I thought.......... Where is your proof that frenchmen don't  hibernate or aestivate though?

Title: What's the difference between hibernation and aestivation?
Post by: DoctorBeaver on 02/08/2008 16:59:58

Quote from: opus on 01/08/2008 18:20:52

Thankyou, that's what I thought.......... Where is your proof that frenchmen don't  hibernate or aestivate though?

They need all 12 months of the year for the number of strikes they have.

Title: What's the difference between hibernation and aestivation?
Post by: opus on 20/10/2008 22:47:14

tres funny doc!

Title: What's the difference between hibernation and aestivation?
Post by: DoctorBeaver on 21/10/2008 11:12:39

Quote from: opus on 20/10/2008 22:47:14

tres funny doc!

Merci

Title: What's the difference between hibernation and aestivation?
Post by: rosalind dna on 21/10/2008 14:50:24

When dormice hibernate their heartbeats slow down to 4 beats per minute, curling up in a tight ball.

Title: What's the difference between hibernation and aestivation?
Post by: opus on 21/10/2008 20:37:06

When some frogs hibernate/ oestivate (the jury's still out on this one) they secrete a thin slimey bag around the body, which they eat on waking- grotesque to watch but fascinating! Apparently it provides essential nutrients to the waking frog. I prefer cornflakes myself.

Title: Re: What's the difference between hibernation and aestivation?
Post by: Monox D. I-Fly on 11/09/2019 04:34:45

Quote from: opus on 21/10/2008 20:37:06

When some frogs hibernate/ oestivate (the jury's still out on this one) they secrete a thin slimey bag around the body, which they eat on waking- grotesque to watch but fascinating! Apparently it provides essential nutrients to the waking frog. I prefer cornflakes myself.

Wait, they eat their own sweats?