talvihorroksen

Talvihorros, often translated as hibernation, is a state of inactivity that some animals enter during winter. This biological adaptation helps them survive periods of cold temperatures and limited food availability. Animals in talvihorros experience a significant drop in their metabolic rate, heart rate, and body temperature. This conserves energy, allowing them to survive on stored body fat for extended periods without needing to forage.

The duration of talvihorros varies greatly depending on the species and environmental conditions. Some animals, like certain rodents, may enter a state of torpor for short periods, waking up periodically. Others, such as bears, enter a deeper, longer-lasting state that is sometimes referred to as winter sleep, though it differs from true hibernation in some physiological aspects. During talvihorros, animals are less responsive to external stimuli and are vulnerable if disturbed. They typically emerge from this state in the spring when temperatures rise and food becomes more accessible. The physiological triggers for entering and exiting talvihorros are complex, involving hormonal changes influenced by factors like daylight hours and ambient temperature.