Sci Fri: Torpor
The science of torpor was introduced to us by the 'Squirrel with the Marvelous Tail' in Moominland Midwinter.
There was a little squirrel
A very small squirrel
He wasn't very clever
But his fur was nice and warm.
Now he is cold and his legs are numb
But still he is the squirrel
With the marvelous tail.
Torpor differs from hibernation as it is a shorter period of time (for squirrels, up to one week and hummingbirds, every night). In addition, the animals body temperature is reduced to conserve metabolic output in a time when food might be scarce (winter.)
*Warning: this may even happen to your pet hamster, so attempt warming him up before you make funeral arrangements!