Reptiles and amphibians cannot make their own heat. So what do they do when it is freezing? What does a pond turtle do when the pond ices over? And what happens when it is dangerously hot? Herps do not hibernate quite the way mammals do, and scientists argue about the right word. Some say "brumation" for reptiles; others say "hibernation" is fine for everyone. Whatever you call it, here is what happens. Because a herp does not burn energy staying warm, its body can slow down dramatically in the cold. It uses almost no calories and very little oxygen.
This lesson is part of Certified Junior Herpetologist. Enrollment is self-paced, with no deadline to finish (about 30 hours).
