Question

This is an example of torpor:

Select one:
a. a Black-capped Chickadee lowers its body temperature by 12 deg C and enters a deep sleep
b. a Five-lined Skink loses its tail and grows a new one
c. a Blister Beetle plays dead
d. a duck keeps its foot from freezing by shunting blood through a special net
e. none of the above

Answer 1

a. a Black-capped Chickadee lowers its body temperature by 12 deg C and enters a deep sleep is an example of torpor:

Step-by-step explanation:

Torpor is a physiological state characterized by a significant decrease in metabolic rate and body temperature,a. typically used by animals to conserve energy. In option a, a Black-capped Chickadee lowering its body temperature by 12 degrees Celsius and entering a deep sleep is an example of torpor. During torpor, the bird experiences a temporary reduction in metabolic activity and conserves energy by slowing down its physiological processes.

Torpor is an adaptive strategy employed by some animals to survive challenging environmental conditions, such as extreme cold or food scarcity.

By entering a state of torpor, organisms can reduce their energy expenditure and increase their chances of survival. In the case of the Black-capped Chickadee, lowering its body temperature and entering a deep sleep allows it to cope with colder temperatures and conserve energy during the night.

Understanding torpor and its manifestations in different species provides valuable insights into the diverse ways animals adapt to their environments. The physiological changes associated with torpor are essential for the survival of certain species, enabling them to navigate through periods of environmental stress and resource limitation.