Animals at the extremes: Hibernation and torpor
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## Contents

- Introduction
- Learning outcomes
- 1 Hibernation and torpor: An introduction
- 2 The nature and extent of hibernation and torpor in endotherms
  - 2.1 Degrees of torpor
  - 2.2 Species showing torpor or deep hibernation
  - 2.3 Hibernators as eutherms
  - 2.4 Summary
- 3 Characteristics of hibernation behaviour
  - 3.1 Introduction
  - 3.1 Signals for entry
  - 3.2 Physiological changes during entry
  - 3.3 Maintenance
  - 3.4 Arousal
    - 3.4.1 Alarm arousal
    - 3.4.2 Periodic arousal
  - 3.5 Arousal (continued)
    - 3.5.1 Final arousal
  - 3.6 Length of torpor bouts in hibernation
  - 3.7 Summary
- 4 Physiological adaptations – molecules and cells
  - 4.1 Scientific approaches
  - 4.2 Arresting protein synthesis
  - 4.3 Cellular changes
  - 4.4 Cell survival mechanisms
  - 4.5 Summary
- 5 Physiological adaptations – respiration and energy provision
  - 5.1 Introduction
  - 5.2 Energy sources in torpor and hibernation
  - 5.3 Mitochondrial adaptations
  - 5.4 Inspiratory drive
  - 5.5 Energy budgeting – the benefits of hibernation and torpor
  - 5.6 The importance of size and habitat
  - 5.7 Summary
- 6 Control systems
  - 6.1 Introduction
  - 6.2 The hypothalamus as central regulator
  - 6.3 Metabolic regulation and the midbrain
  - 6.4 Rapid-response genes and rhythmic neuronal activity
  - 6.5 The neurotransmitters histamine and serotonin: a role for chemical signalling between neurons of the hypothalamus
  - 6.6 Hormones and hibernation
    - 6.6.1 Melatonin
    - 6.6.2 Hibernation-induction trigger
  - 6.7 Sleep, the brain and hibernation
  - 6.8 Summary
- Course Questions
- Conclusion
- Keep on learning
- References
- Further Reading
- Acknowledgements

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