AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -These critters are homeotherms, which means that unlike some mammals, their body temperatures remain fairly constant throughout the year; they don’t hibernate. In the winter, squirrels spend less time foraging outside their dens, and it’s more common for several squirrels to share a den.

Detailed explanation-2: -Hibernation is a deep sleep that helps them to save energy and survive the winter without eating much. During hibernation the animal’s body temperature drops, and its heartbeat and its breathing slow down so that it does not use much energy.

Detailed explanation-3: -During the winter, squirrels live in what is called dreys. The ground squirrels live in burrows and dens deep in the ground, while the tree squirrel lives in dreys on trees. Generally, squirrels build themselves a drey using branches and twigs for shelter.

Detailed explanation-4: -Hibernation is a way animals conserve energy to survive adverse weather conditions or lack of food. It involves physiological changes such as a drop in body temperature and slowed metabolism.