ATAR Notes: Forum

VCE Stuff => VCE Science => VCE Mathematics/Science/Technology => VCE Subjects + Help => VCE Biology => Topic started by: bucket on May 22, 2008, 07:15:28 pm

Title: torpor
Post by: bucket on May 22, 2008, 07:15:28 pm

can anybody explain to me what this term actual refers to, and what contexts it can be used in?

Title: Re: torpor
Post by: beezy4eva on May 22, 2008, 07:29:06 pm

i think torpor refers to when an animal decreses its body temperature as a way of preserving energy which would otherwise have to be used to maintain a higher body temperature. Torpor usually refers to short term temperatures drops, eg a bird lowering its temperature overnight night when its sleeping. I think hibernation can be called torpor, but i would just stick to calling it hibernation.