state of lethargy and sluggishness preceding stupor, which precedes semicoma, which precedes coma
A unique state of half-unconsciousness known as torpor is exhibited by several bird species, the most well-known being the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird. Torpor is intended to keep birds with high, constant energy demands alive during the long dormant period of nighttime sleep. During torpor, hummingbirds make no motions and are not awakened by touch; they sleep, as we humans might say, like a log. Torpor slows down some bodily functions to conserve energy.
sluggishness; a time when the heartbeat, temperature, and body activities slow down. The animal is only a little alert.
the state of lethargy (slowed being) into which some animals fall during the colder months of the year
a state of motor and mental inactivity with a partial suspension of sensibility; "he fell into a deep torpor"
inactivity resulting from torpidity and lack of vigor or energy
a manner of reducing metabolism to reduce energy needs in winter
The dormant, inactive state of a hibernating or aestivating animal
A overnight lowering of body temperature. On cold nights, a Hummingbird can lower its body temperature by about 15 degrees C (30 degrees F), thus conserving energy that would be required to maintain its normal temperature. The next morning, the hummingbird speeds up its metabolism and get its body temperature back up to normal (40.5 degrees C or 105 degrees F) within a few minutes.
dormant, inactive state with reduced metabolism and heart rate. References Christiansen, J.L. and R.M. Bailey, 199l. The Salamanders and Frogs of Iowa. Des Moines: Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Nongame Technical Series No. 3. Conant, Roger, 1975. A Field Guide to reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern and Central North America. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. 2nd ed. Peterson Field Guide Series. Kansas Amphibians and Reptiles. Vol. 8. No. 1 of On T.R.A.C.K.S., 1996. (Teaching Resource Activities and Conservation to Kansas Students), Kansas Wildlife and Parks. Selected Resources for Teachers Gunzi, Christiane. Amphibians & Reptiles of North America. San Diego: Thunder Bay Press. 1995. Parker, Nancy W. Frogs, Toads, Lizards and Salamanders. New York: Greenwillow Books. l990. Reading Rainbow Book.
a dormant, inactive state.
inactivity, lethargy, not feeling
A state where an animal's metabolism, breathing rate, heartbeat and body temperature each decreases to a level lower than normal. In cold weather, torpor decreases the temperature difference between the animal's body and the outside air. Therefore the animal's rate of heat loss is lowered, and it can maintain its (reduced) body temperature more easily. By slowing metabolism, all tissues use less energy. In hot weather, torpor decreases water loss due to evaporation, excretion and respiration. During torpor, the animal doesn't seem to see, hear, or feel things going on around it, and it takes longer to "wake up" than from normal sleep.
a state of dormancy or hibernation vent the opening of the cloaca
Torpor is a state of regulated hypothermia in an endotherm lasting just a few hours. Animals that go through torpor include small birds like hummingbirds and some small mammals such as bats. During the active part of their day, these animals maintain normal body temperature and activity levels, but their body temperature drops during a portion of the day (usually night) to conserve energy.