Final answer:
Many animals exhibit a daily hypometabolic state known as torpor, where their metabolism decreases, allowing them to survive adverse conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The daily hypometabolic state exhibited by many animals is called torpor. Torpor is a process that leads to a decrease in activity and metabolism, allowing animals to survive adverse conditions such as extreme temperatures or food scarcity. During torpor, animals' metabolic rates significantly lower, helping them conserve energy and wait until their environment better supports their survival.
For example, hibernation is a form of torpor observed in animals during winter months when food is scarce. Ground squirrels can achieve a body temperature of 0°C (32°F) during hibernation, while bears maintain an internal temperature of about 37°C (99°F).
Other forms of torpor include estivation, which is observed in animals during hot, dry periods, and daily torpor, seen in animals like bats and hummingbirds, who conserve energy during the colder parts of the day.